Courage In A Foreign Land

The young man walked out the front door not knowing whether he would return.

It was going to be a difficult journey given his inability to communicate clearly in this foreign land, and the reality of what confronted him this day began to overwhelm him to the point of panic. Courageously he pushed through his trepidation and set off.

If he was to somehow return to the safe house, he knew that it was important that he at least pretend to belong in this community, even though he remained suspicious of those around him. Many times he had been tortured by the expectation that he should participate in foreigners activities, even though doing so tested his mental strength. Most times, despite his quiet protestations, it was easier to go along with requests to engage. Not to do so would make a smooth road bumpy, a clear sky overcast.

This was his adaptation. This was his survival. This was his silent war that had to be won if he was to get through the day and return to the safe house. He knew they would be waiting for their report.

They were kind. They were loving. They understood.

At last! When DanDaLion was greeted at the front door of the safe house, he delivered a report of his day to his Mum and Dad. They were happy to see him. He breathed a sigh of relief as miraculously, he had made it safely back to his room once more, surrounded by familiar and comforting things. Things that provided an impenetrable barrier from foreigners and all things foreign. He could rest easy....................

Until tomorrow.
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Courage comes in many packages. It takes great strength of character for those with diffability of all types to confront their fears. Sometimes just walking out their front door is like walking into a foreign and hostile land.

The mane thing is. Next time you see someone with a diffability, admire their courage, applaud their survival instinct and most of all see them as friendly, not foreign.