Sibling Spotlight: Dealing with Assumptions
As I wrote in my last post, each member of our family has their own unique journey and experience of how Soraya’s illness impacts them. Leena’s journey recently included feeling really frustrated by assumptions made about Soraya’s wheelchair.
Every Thursday, Soraya volunteers at Leena’s school and reads to the kindergarteners. While Leena loves seeing Soraya at school, every now and then it gives her anxiety – she hates having to explain Soraya’s disabilities and rightfully hates the assumptions others make about Soraya.
Last week, Leena had a classmate ask her, “When will Soraya heal?”
This question reflects the assumption that Soraya was injured, that she can’t walk, and that she will get better. ALL of these assumptions are incorrect and painful for Leena to have to hear, let alone try to explain. The only way she knew how to problem-solve at that moment was to look confused.
I’m so happy Leena shared this with us and was willing to post this on Instagram! Her sharing allowed us to go through different responses she could give in the future so she feels more in control and prepared.
Leena also really wanted the opportunity to have parents talk to their kids about the different reasons people use wheelchairs. (Leena gives adults lots of credit...as adults, we still need to have a lot more conversations and education.)
Has anyone made an assumption about you based on just what they could see from looking at you? How did you react? Please share if you are comfortable! ❤️