A is for Advocacy

The birth of our first child made me a mother. The birth of our second, made me an advocate. It’s a road I never in a million years expected to be on, but it’s one that I believe I was meant for.

Mira is joy wrapped up in a body made special just for her. She is a gift to our family. She has been a teacher to us in ways that not many 5-year old’s can be. Because we want the best life for her possible, I am on a mission to educate and advocate.

At the beginning of every school year, we (ok, let’s be honest, its me) write a letter to parents of Mira’s class to explain Achondroplasia, promote appropriate terminology, raise awareness about dwarfism, and encourage parents to talk to their kids about differences. This year, Mira started Kindergarten at a new school. With the incredible support of the principal, we sent the entire faculty the letter as well. Every year after sending the letter we get several responses back thanking us.

If we reach one family and provide the words to help talk to their kids, then it’s all worth it.

There seem to be two schools of thought on this type of letter; “My child would be mortified if I sent a letter out about her!” OR “The more I can educate the people around my child the better, so the weight of fitting in and explanation does not fall entirely on their shoulders.”

For now, I will unconditionally carry the weight, until Mira is strong enough to do so on her own.

Something tells me she is almost there.