"Sick in the head, like Brantley.”
“Dysfunctional, like Brantley”
As I hear these hurtful statements, I'm reminded of my dad's words from my youth: "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Yet, that adage feels distant and naive when reflecting on the comments made about Brantley, who faces the challenges of Autism and Severe Intellectual Developmental Disorder. The harsh truth is, words do hurt, especially when they come from family – the ones expected to offer unwavering support to Brantley in the challenges he faces.
It's disheartening to realize that those we anticipate understanding and empathizing with are often the ones delivering the most painful comments. These remarks resonate profoundly, tearing through any hope of acceptance or understanding.
I question how we can anticipate the world to overcome judgment and embrace compassion when our own families struggle with it. This awareness transforms the dream of acceptance into an uphill battle, akin to scaling Mount Everest barefoot. Nevertheless, it's a hill I'm willing to stand my ground on because acceptance is vital, not solely for Brantley but for all individuals with disabilities who deserve understanding and inclusion.
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