A young girl feels invisible in the light of her disabled brothers and sisters.
At times I sometimes feel as though I do not even exist, especially if one of my (disabled) brothers and sisters happen to be with me. For example, I have a sister who uses braces and crutches in order to walk (she sometimes uses a wheelchair if she is hurting more than what is usual for her), and whenever she is with me, it's like they notice her right away and barely give me as much of a second glance. Plus she happens to be very pretty, popular, smart, AND talented, and people are always bragging about her achievements, and that really hurts my feelings.
Sometimes I secretly wish that I could be like Ronee', and have her disabilities--maybe then people would notice ME first and NOT Ronee'. But since I AM healthy, having people notice Ronee' first is just one of those things that I have to get used to--and put up with.
I am sure that Ronee' feels that way, too. I am sure that she doesn't like being in pain all of the time or having to use leg braces, crutches, or a wheelchair in order to get around. I am sure that she wishes that she could run, hop, skip, and jump, just like any other kid, and I am sure that she wishes that she didn't have to go to doctors on a regular basis (or end up in the emergency room) or go to therapy three times a week. It is only natural.
But I am glad that I am NOT like Ronee': I don't think I could handle her problems as well as she has done over the years. For having to go through things like surgeries, hospitalizations, or getting sick, Ronee' is probably the bravest kid I know. Her courage is nothing short of astounding, and she always seems to have a bright, happy attitude most of the time. If I were in her shoes, I know I wouldn't be able to put up with all that she has had to, and I know that this may sound all wrong or mean, but I am glad, very glad, that I am not Ronee'!
It is just NOT Ronee' that has to go through this: it's *ALL* of my brothers and sisters who are disabled, and whenever they are with me, people seem to gravitate towards them before they even say hi to me, and that makes me feel bad. Don't people realize that I happen to be a person too, and I would like to be noticed for something besides "being the sister to so many disabled kids" or "the sister to Jodie/Johnny/Ronee', etc."? Don't they see that I have "needs", too? The need to be accepted, noticed, even admired??
Sometimes I feel like I am the only kid who goes through this, and it is during times like this when I wish that the sidewalk would just open up and swallow me whole in one big "GULP"! Maybe then, if I weren't around, people'd then think about how they treated me in the past and realize their mistake in not getting to know me.
Yeah, this hits the nail on the head. I remember sometimes wishing I could b e someone who got extra attention because of some issue or other and my mother setting the record straight
An excellent, thought provoking write, but a "normal" child should not wish to be disabled, because, as you and I both know, it can bring about the wrong sort of attention and pity. Otherwise, outstanding write!
Karen, as Eileen has already said, this is soooo acutely perceptive and aware - and a very, very mature write for someone of tender years: which, of course, if JUST what happens a)in big families, but also if you "have to grow up" because of other family circumstances, such as this. You have shared dear Danita's feelings so wonderfully well -honestly and yet showing also her bravery and sympathy/guilt swings. As adults, it can be difficult sometimes with the fact that, for example, as the mother of a new baby, you barely get a look-in, as the "attachment" to the beautiful new "addition"! So how ignorant for us to think that children cope any better, poor little things. We remember siblings, perhaps, when new babies come into families, but it is tough to be in an on-going situation where, day-after-day, you would think yourself overlooked and KNOW that things might never be any different. Such an eye-opening write, as usual, Karen and I salute you for it. You seem to be able to empathise with EVERYONE about ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING! You have one BIG heart! Bless you and thank you. Kate xx
Karen, you are very perceptive, and have a true empathic heart.
It is very insightful to realie that a person who is not disabled can have just as much difficulty as one who is disabled.Of course it is in a different category, but the feelings are the same. This is what we fail to recognize. When our feeling are injured, it makes no difference what causes it they still feel the pain. Wonderful compassionate writing !
Suspenseful and close to home, Rain of Deception 2 will leave you in Tears. Much like Part 1, this will shocking sequel will keep you on the edge of your fingertips.
Rovella is a beautiful woman with a cold heart whom blames herself for an unfortunate old family secret that is literally ruining her life. This secret impedes a gorgeous woman from having happiness in her childhood, and throughout her life. Dark sec
At times I sometimes feel as though I do not even exist, especially if one of my (disabled) brothers and sisters happen to be with me. For example, I have a sister who uses braces and crutches in order to walk (she sometimes uses a wheelchair if she is hurting more than what is usual for her), and whenever she is with me, it's like they notice her right away and barely give me as much of a second glance. Plus she happens to be very pretty, popular, smart, AND talented, and people are always bragging about her achievements, and that really hurts my feelings.
