What would it be like to look in the mirror and smile every single time? No judgement, no critical eye, just plain acceptance. Or even better, if you looked in the mirror and actually liked what you saw. I am so happy that for Elizabeth, this is what it is like. What is it about her disability or possibly and probably more likely, her ability, to love the person she looks at in the mirror? She kisses herself, puts her hands in the air as if to say "look at me", and is genuinely proud. I am in awe of it.
I don't know what the future will hold for her, what she will or won't be able to accomplish. Whether or not she will speak, grow taller, or do simple tasks on her own. But I do know this, she has mastered what most women I know (including myself), never will-appreciating herself for exactly who she is.
This particular morning, she was in the kitchen before school giving her "ta-da" pose and my husband was lucky enough to catch it. I had moved a mirror down from her room for a jewelry party for friends to take a look at their potential purchases on themselves before committing. As usual, I hadn't yet put the mirror back upstairs where it belonged so Elizabeth was able to watch herself eat, play, clap and sing.
Besides treasuring this picture, I am going to try and learn a lesson from sweet Elizabeth. I am going to make a concerted effort to trade hating my love handles, cellulite and dark circles for loving my spirit, my heart, and my innate abilities. I want to try, I hope you will too.
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