Unconditional love!

{yes, this a long one...but please read}

Earlier today, I was touched by a blog that I faithfully read. The blog is by the uber, over the top and very REAL photographer Tara Whitney. I was so touched that I couldn't let another day go by without my blogging about an unconditional friendship with a girl whose life I've been blessed to be in for almost 15 years.

I'll give you a quick background here. Tara Whitney has a daughter who has a disability. Tara candidly shares the victories and battles that her family and daughter face every day with this challenge on her blog. Tara recently came across a program that is basically designed to celebrate, enhance, and educate about any and all disabilities.

Many of you already know that I began working with children diagnosed with Austism almost 15 years ago. My love for Autism and helping those affected by it began when I met a little kindergartener named L. Who actually also has a younger brother affected by Autism as well. I soon found myself a part of their lives and several children's lives by helping them learn and cope with their disability. Many of the children have grown and moved away. But here I am, 15 years later, and still friends with L and her family.

Not much has changed, other than L, and her brother K, are both a few inches taller than me and continue to leave me in awe of their victories with their disabilities. Because of L and K, I am a better person. A better person with two daughters that now get to learn and grow from their friendships with them.

Now I'm going to do my best to stay away from the tear jerker dime box I can stand on when it comes to my feelings. So basically...each day I'm with L, I continue to fight for others to see her for who she is and see past the shell that covers up the beauty inside her. The beauty that has entrusted me with her friendship, need for acceptance, love, vulnerability, and sad times. But, then I'm always reminded that L is selective. Learning that it isn't easy to gain her trust...trust to not be hurt. Like everyone else, she lives a guarded life.

Since the arrival of my daughters, we have spent three summers and several weekends with her. While I love being able to be a part of her life, I never thought different in having her be a part of my daughter's lives. AND, she has grown to be more than the occasional friend they see...she IS a part of their lives. And, although they are only 2 years old and don't see differences yet...I can already see them look and play with her with the purest form of unconditional love. The kind of love that won't fade with age and time. For that, I'm thankful we are a part of eachother's lives. It is the best gift I could ever ask to be given to my children.

This picture is the perfect description of their relationship. It's rare you won't find one on her hip, playing on her lap or begging to be played with or carried.

{excuse the bad picture quality...taken at super high ISO, in a pet store, with florescent lighting, no flash and just before I was threatened to have my camera taken away...seriously!}

Now for the words that prompted this post.... a short lyric of a song from The Miracle Project.

Who am I?

It's not what you see.

Gotta take a chance

to get to know the real me.

I am happy,

I am proud,

I am funny,

I am loud.

I want to scream those words louder than loud is...scream those words for my friend L.