Compassion and Tolerance

Back in late August, I heard of a story involving a child with special needs. It was about an anonymous note that was sent from "one pissed off mother" to a family who has a child with Autism.  The letter was filled with words that were offensive, hurtful and just plain mean.  Parts of it read, "I HATE people like you who believe, just because you have a special needs kid, you are entitled to special treatment!"  Another line, "go live in a trailer in the woods or something with your wild animal kid."  Wow, when I read that, it made me really sad, first of all that a mom could have that much disdain for a child (and his family) and secondly, to take the time to write all that nasty stuff down and then send it?  I find it even more sad to think that this is what the "pissed off mother" is teaching her own children - that it's okay to not have tolerance for others just because they look or act different. Well, I have a news flash for the "pissed off mother" - the world isn't like that!!  Wouldn't it be a really boring world if it was???  The mom who got that anonymous letter was shaken and upset and rightfully so.   She responded to the hate filled letter on a really great special needs blog - here is the link to it - http://www.lovethatmax.com/2013/08/the-moms-response-to-that-shocking.html . In early September, I heard about another anonymous note that was left for a family whose son has epilepsy and has had three major brain surgeries.  The family had gone out to eat and as they were waiting for their meal, their son started to get loud. The mom was getting concerned that the other diners might start getting upset.  Instead, the waitress came over and said that a mystery diner had paid for their meal and had written on their bill, "God only gives special children to special people."  There is just one word that comes to mind when I read that sentence - compassion!  Wow, I think this mystery diner could teach the "pissed off mother" a thing or two, don't you think???