I think of compassion as having great empathy for someone, whether it is because they seem to be struggling, hurting, lonely or lost either emotionally or spiritually. Meaning to have no faith or hope in anything.
I also have compassion for those who seem outcast or ridiculed in some way. Everyone is ‘different’ in some way. We should embrace with each others ‘uniqueness’. And really what is ‘normal’ anyway and to whom?
I think I’ve always tried to be nice to everyone. I was never the bully or even argumentative although I think I was ‘too’ nice and naive in the past. I really tried to treat other people the way I would want to be treated. I truly thought most people did what was right or kind unless there was a reason no too.
Watching what my youngest son has gone through has opened my eyes to the rest of the world. I have learned so much from seeing his pain and even fear at times growing up. From people yelling at a little boy walking his dog to get out of their yard, calling him horrible names, just because they considered him ‘different’. Another time a neighbor told her daughter that he couldn’t jump on her trampoline with the rest of the kids.. yelling “get the “R” off”! He was just a little boy at the time!
Then my son got older, and at his previous school, kids were allowed to bully and even ‘spit’ on him, trip him and call him names. He was afraid to walk home because he would get chased and teased. I was told that kids were just being kids. Really, my kids never did that.. nor would I have allowed it if they did.
Where are the adults teaching kids right from wrong and compassion for any one? I think it should be both at homne and school. The teachers and administrators at my son's last school did a great job. There was no tolerance or excuses. My son finally felt safe at school!
This has been a very troubling and upset concern of mine for a long time now. I would like to know what other parents or both ‘special’ and ‘normal’ kids think. Who do you think should teach compassion and how would you handle these situations on either side.
Thanks my friends for all your comments and feedback! It helps me and other parents more than you know. HUGS to you all!!
