Can a 7 pound newborn move a full-grown woman?

I recently became an aunt to the first baby in my husband and my combined families. I’d been eager to be an aunt for the last 20 years, but I really had no idea what a moving and profound experience it would be. My career has been dedicated to improving the lives of children, and although it has taken several twists and turns along the way, it has always been about making the world a better place for children. I don’t have any children of my own, and up until December 7 no one else in my family did either. In my past work in direct care, parents have occasionally told me that because I don’t have kids I “can’t fully understand.” I will admit to feeling a little offended by this accusation. However, experience is our greatest teacher. The picture is of me holding my nephew when he is 5 days old. As I held him in my arms I gained an even deeper understanding of inclusion- one which parents know from first-hand experience. This child, my nephew, all hope and possibility, deserves to have a life full of love, happiness, friendship and belonging. It’s what we hope for our children. He will bring a lot to the party. His strengths, the skills he learns, the love he has to offer others. Undoubtedly, he will have areas of challenge as well. It’s impossible to know what those will be, but I don’t think any of us gets through this life without facing some of our own personal challenges.

A challenge he should not have to face is being included in community life. Nothing should keep him from the opportunity to play a recreational team sport if he wants to. Or take an art class (his dad, my brother, is a celebrated tattoo artist so an art class could very well be in his future!). Or go to summer camp. And yet, if it is determined by someone, in some school or program, that his needs are too great or his challenges too challenging, that is exactly what could happen. I mull this over as I hold the little 7 pound bundle of love in my arms. I think of all of the parents I know, and of all of the parents of children with disabilities I know and respect through my work. I know they have had this moment, and many other afterwards, dreaming about a future full of love, joy and positive experiences for their child and their family. I silently re-dedicate myself to working even harder than before to ensure that people welcome children- regardless of their ability- to participate, to experience and to belong.

Before December 7 I was a passionate advocate for inclusion. I spend most of my time communicating the benefits of inclusion to others who work in early childhood, recreation and youth development programs. I believe in it whole-heartedly. Now that I have held the mystery of a newborn child in my arms and thought about what the future might hold for him, I own and embody the philosophy of inclusion deep in my soul in a way that I didn’t even know was possible.

Inclusion is…a belief in the value and possibility of a life.

Has a child taught you an important lesson? Have you been changed by an experience in a way you didn’t expect? Please leave a comment and share your experience.