In honor of all people, no matter what our differences are...we are all equal.

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It makes no difference who you are
We’re all the same right from the start
But people with disabilities are labeled another name
They’re not treated like you and me - it’s not quite the same

When tragedy strikes, it’s proof enough
We ban together to show we’re all tough
It just doesn’t matter how you look or act
People - all people want to help, and that’s a real fact

I sat and listened to them all
Talk about last Tuesday when the country had a big fall

Some did more than I could ever imagine to do
They lit candles, and gave blood,
and they even prayed for me - and for you, too

And now they’re on to the next plan
They want to write letters to the firefighters, and go to New York to help
woman and man.

I’ve never been more prouder of the people I know
It doesn’t matter that they have a disability
They love and honor all people - all of us - in this country.

And now if others could see what I see and know what I know
We’d all be equal - we’d all have a contribution and be appreciated, I believe it would be so.

It’s time - this is the best
We all come together for this life test.

We all have the same needs
To live and love and be safe with each other
Let this teach us that we’re all equal, none of us deserve to suffer

Let this occasion bring light to treating others with kindness
We are all due respect, to appreciate our qualities at their finest

We all think the same and agree
That we live in a country that is supposed to be free
Free of turmoil and of regret
Free of discrimination
How can anyone turn their backs on loving people who want to help the country for all the right reasons

We are all together on this
To think people with disabilities are any different would be remiss

To cherish, love and honor
We are all sister - and - we are all brother

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Janet Hunt-Hawkins
In honor of the self-advocacy movement for people with disabilities
and for the tragedy our country is facing
September 17, 2001