What's In A Name?
Lately, I've been wondering what to 'call' Suzy. (we call her lots of things - like Love Bug, Sugar Bear, Cutie Pie, and Angel Face)........
but I want to know how to explain her. I need a short and simple way to tell the public what's wrong with her.
Wherever we go, Suzy gets 'noticed' more. She gets questionable 'looks' and curious stares. I assume that's because she is getting bigger, and older, and because we take her more and more places. People no longer pass her and think that she's a sleepy baby. She now looks like a disabled toddler (especially in her wheelchair). I can see it in their faces. They are wondering, "What's wrong with that little girl?" "Is she normal?" "What happened to her?"
Do I say, "She suffered encephalitis caused by the HHV-6 Virus, which then caused moderate global brain damage, which led to a 2 week coma followed up by severe cognitive and motor delays." ?????
OR, do I just sum it up in a word or two? And if so, what's the politically correct term?
Is she "Handicapped,
Brain Injured,
Mentally Retarded,
Disabled",
Does she have "Brain Damage,
Cerebral palsy,
Special Needs". ????
Or do I say, "She suffered a Brain Injury resulting in Cerebral Palsy and Mental Retardation" ??
Do I say, "She suffers from Severe Cuteness resulting in Moderate Spoildness" ??
I know, some of you are saying, "Whitney, you don't owe these people any explanation."
I realize that. However, I am a social person. I love to talk about Suzy. I WANT to talk about her. And most of these people aren't being nosey and rude. Most are simply curious and kind. Besides, I'm very proud of Suzy. She deserves to be talked about. I'm proud of how far she's come. And I'm proud of her smile - in spite of all the suffering she's endured.
So....what do I say to the curious people? How do I define Suzy in a few short sentences?..............
Maybe I just say:
"She's a Work In Progress. The most beautiful flowers take the longest to bloom."
Peace,
Whitney