A Life More Beautiful

An open letter titled "A Life More Beautiful"

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Dear Ryan,

I didn’t know what to expect when you quietly approached me. I had just finished a presentation on bullying of people with disabilities when you stopped me afterward to talk.

You smiled and said, "Thanks for all that you shared. I really enjoyed listening to you. Your words meant a lot." He went on, "before I leave . . . I want to tell you that when I think of you . . . I will be happy . . . I will feel happy.”

You then pointed to the projector screen which showed a picture of my son David, who was born with Down syndrome. During my presentation, I had shared his picture along with my story, that throughout his life, David has always been my inspiration for working to prevent bullying of students with disabilities.

We looked at each other and you continued, “When I think of both of you, of him (David) and you, I will feel happy.” In an increasingly confident manner you continued, giving your words more explanation, "I will be happy when I think of both of you, because I know that you gave him (David) a beautiful life."

You nodded at me and said, "because of you, his is a beautiful life."

As my eyes filled with tears, you continued, "And in caring so much about him, you have also made my life more beautiful, too."

Your words were not only the most articulately described affirmation of my love for David, but also poignantly describe why working to prevent bullying, and uniting for kindness, acceptance and inclusion is some important to me.

I may never be able tell you in person, but I want the world to know, that those few moments we met, I am grateful as they hold the most beautiful gift I ever received. A gift in which each time I think of you, will be like hearing you again expressing the poetry of your words all over again.

And what you may never know, that because of you Ryan, that my life is now more beautiful, too.

I will always remember you, Julie