Hi, My name is Gwen! I have profound global developmental delays- this means my whole body is severely disabled. I am blind, non-verbal, no functional use of my arms and legs, wheelchair bound, feeding tube dependent, and more. This is all because I have a terminal brain disease that is incurable.
Am I DIFFERENT than you? Absolutely!
But, guess what? I can hear you. I understand love, compassion, and true joy. I smile and laugh when something is funny. I also frown and cry when I am sad. I love to be around my friends and my family! I love music, movies, reading books, sunshine, and snuggling! I can even be sassy and roll my eyes!
You do some of those same things? So maybe we are the SAME!!
![Happy Developmental Disabilities Month photo](https://gwendolynsgifts.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Happy-Developmental-Disabilities-Month-photo.jpg)
My mom wrote a poem for me to better express my feelings:
“We are all different,
But all the same.
We are here for a reason,
And have a special name.
Include us in activities,
And ask us to play in your game.
Focus on kindness and love,
No name-calling or shame.
Be a friend, not a bully
And always proclaim…
We are all different,
But all the same!!!”
Written by: Erin Kramer
Remember to celebrate YOU! If we were all the same, life would be boring! Differences make the world beautiful and unique!
If you lead with kindness, you will always be right! Have a question? Ask away! That’s how you’ll learn to play!
At the end of the day, we are all human.
“We are all Different, but all the Same!”