a neurological disorder that impairs brain development, permanently robbing her of language and motor functions. As a result, Sophia depends on her family for 24/7 care. The Weavers have several full-time nurse aides to help with Sophia’s full-time care. Because Sophia is unable to go out and enjoy many of the typical family fun things as it puts her at risk, they make sure to have fun family time and activities all together at home. Despite her differences, Sophia is an amazing human being. She is so sweet and loves to cuddle, laugh, have books read to her, she gives Natalie attitude and rolls her eyes. “Holding her and spending time with her forces you to be in the moment. She’s a powerful little girl and all your worries melt away when in her presence.” Sophia can’t speak, though sometimes when the neurological storms subside, she can say a word here and there. She called her mom annoying last month and Natalie thought it was glorious. She says Sophia laughed and laughed after saying it. Natalie shares that it’s amazing how few words they actually need to communicate. Sophia communicates with her eyes, her soul and her heart. She also has various communication devices that allow her to communicate, as well as movements and other methods. Her mom says that she is really expressive. When I first discovered Natalie on Twitter, my interest was piqued. She was talking about yet another insensitive person who called Sophia a monster and told Natalie she should kill her. I was floored. How could anyone be so cruel? As
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Today’s Daring Woman
a mom I can’t imagine hearing someone say I should have killed my baby. I realized instantly that this is the global mentality that needs to change around people who are different. “There is nothing to fear. We are all human beings inside. If you take a moment to
acknowledge your discomfort, explore why it’s there, move beyond it, and take the time to get to know someone who isn’t like you, your life will be changed for the better. People who are considered different based on deformities or disabilities really aren’t that different from you at all. Take the time to smile and say hello. Teach your children from a very early age and do not shush them away, “ says Natalie. I began to pay attention to what Natalie had to say on her Twitter. I scrolled through her photos of Sophia and family. I started to see Sophia in a new light. Not as a monster, but as a beautiful girl with a permanent smile. People with deformities aren’t monsters. They look different. They behave different. It’s not their fault. It’s no one’s fault. It’s just nature. And they need to be accepted and loved and treated like any other human being on this planet. The monsters are the heartless beings urging Natalie to destroy this precious, bright light