Fences of Life

Well before kindergarten, Samantha was labeled a “special needs” child.  What made her special kept her fenced in and away from many children her age. In school, there was a fence to keep her, and others like her confined.  And to keep others away from them. But now, things are changing! There is a new fence, with selected openings, allowing her and others to walk through and be part of the entire community. The barriers are not completely torn down, but the gaps are wide enough to get rid of the “special needs” label and give her and others a chance to be accepted for whom they are. They will never be rid of what makes them special, but now they have opportunities to express it.