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Tuesday, February 17, 2015

"Angels in Disguise" by Bethany S


            Hi. My name is Bethany and I’m writing for the awareness of children who have special needs. I have a little brother named Bradley, he is 9 years old and he has Williams Syndrome. He is the sweetest little brother I could ever have. He is my little angel, I love him to the moon and back, and a lot of other kids at his school do to. They all know him and say “Hi Bradley” when they pass him. He even has a couple “girl friends” they are always trying to kiss him, the teachers have to pull them away sometimes. But then there are those who stare at him when we go places. I mean I understand if it’s a child and they don’t know, but even grown ups will stare and I’m just like hey would you like if I stared at you because you aren’t perfect or something like come on. Another thing that just made me mad was on a documentary we had to watch in class, a lady that had a teen with autism was saying that she knows how “people say that these children are angels but they aren’t!” Well I mean really, she said that about her daughter on TV! I saw her daughter, and she wasn’t even close to as difficult it can be to handle autistic kids. She could walk, talk, feed herself, and take a little more care of herself than most other special needs children. My brother can’t even do half that. But I still think he’s perfect. The last point I want to stress is kids like us. Ok I Know  it might be weird but it really annoys me when I hear people say retarded. But that’s an actual word people use for children with special needs for the mentally challenged, like my brother. I mean think, when someone says to someone “you look retarded,” when they look stupid it is really saying that retarded children like my brother look stupid. Sure maybe they don’t look like us but on the inside they are so sweet and they are way tougher. Just imagine being given weird looks every day and being afraid to be made fun of just because the way they were created. But maybe just maybe I always think, what if, what if they are just angles in disguise, sent by God as a test to see who is worthy. Who treats them respectfully and to watch what we do………Just think…… they could be……                                                  ANGELS IN DISGUISE.
So the next time you want to say retarded, think or you see a special needs child don’t stare, smile maybe they will return the favor

23 comments:

Unknown said...

This was really deep and a good piece. I can't relate to the have a special needs sibling, but I do always think that it's rude when people stare at a special needs kid because we all have defaults, some are more obvious and were all human beings no matter how we act, look or talk. I can also relate to the word retarded because they are practically saying all special needs kids are stupid bu they aren't. Anyway I think this is really good Bethany.

Anonymous said...

I really admire this story. I love how you use this platform to bring awareness to the negative connotation people associate the word retarded with( people need to realize how calling a person retarded when they do something idiotic is very offensive!), and how you stress the importance of treating kids with special needs with love and respect and to be mindful not to rudely stare. This is a great piece because it gives the reader personal insight of what it's like knowing someone with special needs and the beauty they bring. Your emotions in this piece makes it more genuine and helpful into understanding the perspective of a special needs person and their family

Unknown said...

Great story and message, I find it rude for people to stare at anybody but if only everybody else did.

Anonymous said...

Ok I just want to first say I agree with you all the way that its wrong to make fun of special needs kids and call them names because these children did not choose the way that they are so its not their faults at all. I'm glad someone in our age group can speak up about this so I applaud to you Bethany!!!! Overall I thought this piece was very meaningful and educational to kids that do this to mentally challenged children.

Sarah Skibby
Period 6

Unknown said...

Not often, but occasionally, I would say the word "retarded," and now I see how offensive it really is to use that word. I also try my best to not look and stair at people who are disabled, like the people in this story, because I knew that some people feel uncomfortable grabbing so mush attention because they have a disability. I feel that some people could really learn something from this story.

Unknown said...

Very deep story it kinda put me in the place of someone who lives like that. I like how you connected the negative meaning behind retarded. This was very touching . and I am sure other people can relate to this.

Unknown said...

I'm speechless ...… this is amazing it is very deep story and I feel personally this will inspire someone one day congratulations

Anonymous said...

This was really deep. My favorite part was at the end. I've always heard the perspective of the parents never the sibling.It was a very good story with a great message.
Jocelyn Rangel
P.2

Anonymous said...

I adore this piece! A very close family friend of mine has William Syndrome and she is the most caring, loving, happy, and inspiration girl I have ever know. I agree with you 100% in that they are angels is disguise. People look at them as being disabled when a part of their disability includes being overly kind and talkative to anyone about anything when maybe in reality it's us (society) who has the disability. Because I know for a fact I wish I could be as outgoing and loving as them. This piece is wonderful and I love how you incorporated your emotions throughout :)
Haylie D.
Per 4

Unknown said...

This piece is so cute and sch a touching story! I don't know many people or have any relatives that have William Syndrome or anything related to it but that must be tough. I absolutely adore the way you see your little brother and how perfect he is in your eyes. God bless you both

Anonymous said...

Amazing! Truly amazing! I love how you constructed your story and how it gives out a strong statement.
Chiquitita Annisa P.2

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed the twist at the end, making the audience really question whether or not people with special needs could be "angels in disguise." You not only spread awareness of the inappropriate use of the word, retarded, but took your time to portray people with special needs in a potentially new light, as angels. :) My older brother has Down Syndrome and I totally agree with you on the topic and can relate to the little things like him having "lots of girlfriends." Nice job!

Unknown said...

I love the personal anecdote on this topic. It brings a loving, warm tone to your piece. Also your diction easily conveyed your passion on society's views of people with special needs. I think it is really important to spread awareness of the slight prejudice against people with special needs and I'm very glad you shared it with us.

Anonymous said...

this story is amazing. I think its great that you realize that even though they look different they have feelings too. they are born this way and shouldn't have to go through the hardships of getting teased or looked at wrong. great story
jesse jauregui

Anonymous said...

Great story overall! My favorite part was at the end and gave a great message.
Joseph Mendez
per.2

Anonymous said...

A great personal story with great description and a great message! good job!
Per.2 Altierre Paris

Anonymous said...

I love your story and the fact that I see this topic the same way as you wrote about and have an anger towards people who do not treat them as normal people. The way you made your entry like a journal for this particular story I think added a lot to the emotion and character development of your piece. What you said at the end about them really just being angels is such a cool and unique way to think of it all and I love your vision on that!
Madison Pierce period 4

Unknown said...

You have truly have given an honest and wonderful piece. Every word you wrote had meaning and purpose because obviously this whole piece was made for a purpose and it was just remarkable. You explained how society acts towards those who aren't categorized in the idea of "perfect" but then again no one is but of course some members in society refuse to believe it. You have exposed how some people truly view others and its sad because it's true. I love how you used a life situation to get your point reached across, using your own experiences is definitely the most powerful tool any writer can use. I loved it.
Katheryn Valle period 5.

Anonymous said...

Your story really inspired me. It opened up my eyes to a whole new world where those with chromosmal disorders matter. Thank you for choosing to write about this topic. I appreciate your activism on such a sensitive topic that not many people are aware of.
Jacob Valdez
Period 4

Anonymous said...

Your story is really touching. I loved how you added a religious aspect to your piece. I do believe that everyone was born for a reason and purpose and that a mental disability is just a test to people around. I really enjoyed how encouraging you were and brought up a sensitive topic in a really great way. Good Job!.
Alyssa Anastasi
P.5

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for saying this! I have always hated when someone used the term retarded. Its so disrespectful and doesn't make any sense. Great point, I think everyone knows someone that has a syndrome like that and everyone can relate because no one is perfect.
Josie Starr
Period 2

Unknown said...

I love the topic because its so true and my brother has a few problems too. Its nice to see that someone agrees with me on a personal level.
- Naiszjaii Ragsdale

Anonymous said...

Your piece of writing is inspirational to many people. It was a touching story, people should understand more and not judge.
-Luis Toro
Period 6