Reflections of LaSalle Nursing Students visit to Norcom

February 5, 2013- Universal Desire

            I had a great opportunity to simply observe this morning for the first couple of classes.  I’ve come to a very important conclusion on which I shall focus throughout the semester as a means of reshaping my perception of special needs individuals and the lives that they may lead. I think we so often focus on the differences, when in reality, it may serve everyone better to recognize the similarities. I think we often see individuals with special needs, or those with handicaps and disabilities and assume that they are therefore are at a deficit for fullness of life. We say, “I feel so bad for them” or “what a shame,” as if we are so much better off than they. Can we recognize for a second that nothing about having such special needs means that their lives are in any way lesser?

     We share so many of the same needs. Everyone wants to feel desirable, irreplaceable, beautiful, and loved. All humans want to feel like they are really good at something, that people recognize their unique characteristics, and that there is no one in the history of the universe who is like them. All of our hearts were made to beat for the same ultimate purposes. We are all made in the reflection of God. I hope to learn more to view others through the lens of our similarities as opposed to that of our differences in order to be relatable, understanding, empathetic, and more accepting.