It's No Big Deal

What do you think about, when you hear the word "hero"?  Do you think of cartoon or comic book versions of Superman, Spiderman or the Incredible Hulk?  Do you think of someone saving another person's life?  Are you reminded of a situation in which someone helped you out?  Maybe you picture an athlete or a star.

Sometimes a hero is someone who inspires you, someone who regardless of his or her disability, lives life to the fullest.  Two year old great niece, Brianna, is my hero.  Brianna was born without her lower right forearm and hand, caused by Amniotic Band Syndrome.  While in utero, her forearm and hand were caught in fibrous amniotic bands.  Although we were all initially shocked and saddened by the news, Brianna quickly proved to us that having a missing limb is simply a way of life and not something to feel sorry about.  It's no big deal.

Bri has taught me to focus on what can be done, not on potential limitations.  Bri naturally compensates for her missing hand.  She can beat on a drum, push her toy baby stroller, wrestle with her brother Zach, and has mastered jumping from the coffee table to the couch to the floor!   When other children inquire about Bri's missing hand, they accept the fact that she was born that way.  It's not a big deal to them.

It's not a big deal to them...but at what age does our society make a BIG DEAL out of people who may look a little different?  Obviously it happens--we rarely see a person with a noticeable handicap in the limelight.  Maybe we need to learn from kids--it's no big deal if someone is blind, walks with crutches, or has a missing limb.  It's no big deal.  I am reminded to get to know someone on the inside, and not judge the outward appearance.

Bri is my hero because of her love for life and her positive attitude.  When faced with a challenge, she thinks it through and gives it a try.  If she doesn't succeed on the first try, she uses a different tactic.  Bri has taught me to not get worked up over something that doesn't come easily.  Instead, think it through and be willing to try different approaches.

I know as Bri gets older, there will be rude or ignorant comments made.  However, I believe that she will be able to take it all in stride and won't let it knock her down.  I believe that she can be anything she wants to be.  Her dad loves to golf and we're waiting for the day she can beat him on the golf course!  May Brianna continue to inspire others for many years to come.  I have a feeling that I'll be learning a lot from her!  I also hope that I can maintain a "it's no big deal" attitude regarding the little things, that truly aren't worth getting worked up over.