As a mom, I'm used to fielding tough questions like, "where does Batman keep his special car?" and "why don't they make towtrucks for broken airplanes?" with very creative answers, but yesterday Hank asked me a question that has caused me to pause and reflect on my answer. Sitting together at the bar, with Ben pulled up beside us in his highchair, Hank leaned over to me and whispered a question in my ear, "Mom, do you think Ben will be like Evan?" Evan is a very different looking little boy with obvious physical impairments, but who is always happy and friendly, whom Hank has met and enjoys playing with at Ben's therapy center. Caught off-guard, I thought for a moment and then told Hank that I think Ben will be just like Ben. Hank seemed satisfied with my response and returned to eating his lunch without any further questions. Ben is so lucky to have Hank and Max for brothers--loyal protectors who will always love him and ACCEPT him just for being Ben. In that seemingly innocuous question, I understood a small part of Ben's mission on this earth--to teach others compassion and acceptace. And lucky me, I get to watch as my amazing little boys change the world one person, one opinion, at a time.
4 comments:
Tough question is right. God bless you and your family. We get similar questions like that here too, and I feel exactly the same way. XO
I can relate to you a little here. I know that Ben is and will continue to be a blessing for your family and those in your family's path. I think Ben and Hank will feel lucky to have Ben as their brother. You're right. To them, Ben will just be Ben, no matter what. And I think you will find that so many people that surround your family will love him that way too.
I love your answer- Ben is such a blessing to so many and I am sure will continue to be.
Such a touching little story. I love your answer too. That picture of Ben is so darling!
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