Get Closer

The day Lucia was diagnosed with PKS the geneticist said something to us that we'll never forget.  Something so simple yet so beautiful and true and unfortunately so easily forgotten in this world.  Dr. Bellis looked at us and Lucia as we were about to leave and said "she's just a little human that needs to be loved."  Religion, politics, race, background, or even species for that matter- everyone and everything just wants to be loved, right?!   I saw this video today on a PKS kids facebook post and it touched me so much.

here is the description of the video:

Pro Infirmis, a Swiss organization that helps people with disabilities, conducted an experiment.  They dressed up a disabled man, Fabian, in a cuddly bear costume and dropped him in the middle of a city square to give out hugs.  People jumped at the chance to hug this adorable giant bear, but would they have jumped at the chance to hug Fabian if he had not been in his disguise?  Probably not.  Pro Infirmis wants this to change.

In the video’s description on YouTube, Pro Informis writes, “There are only a few people who don’t have empathy with disabled people.  Nevertheless, the passenger seat in the public bus next to Fabian often stays empty.  Handicapped people are a regular part of our society.  So, get closer.”

Maybe this hit home because we don't know how handicapped our Lu will be and how she'll be accepted or maybe it hit me because I too have been that person that hasn't 'gotten closer' and I regret it and am ashamed.  Whatever the reason, I think this is one of the most influential videos I have ever seen...we're ALL just humans and like Dr. Bellis said, "that need to be loved".  Jason and I are going to do our best to get closer, for many reasons, and who needs a reason when a simple act of kindness can brighten someones day, week or life-maybe even including our own.  Get Closer!  

Thank you Tate for giving Lu the cutest owl and book- it sure is a HOOT-ha!!  Thank you Trish and Blaine for your nice note and generous donation to PKS Kids.  Thank you Katja Barlic for sharing the Get Closer video-your Ela is so adorable!

Ela and her family live in Slovenia