What 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' Teaches Us About Disability and Acceptance
My son loves to drum to Christmas songs. One of his favorites is “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” A few years ago, I heard a version of the song that really stuck with me. Now, every time I hear the song, I get teary-eyed!
Santa picked Rudolph. Rudolph wasn’t the most popular. Rudolph wasn’t the leader of the pack. Rudolph was picked on.
Rudolph was made fun of, yet Santa picked him. He picked him for his talents, his bravery, and his willingness to step forward.
This brings tears to my eyes. Rudolph, just like my son and many of his friends, was often overlooked and considered unworthy.
But Santa recognized and saw Rudolph and his special gift.
He truly saw him! That is huge in our world! It is not often that people understand and take the time to see how awesome my son and his friends are. So yes, this song brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it!
I hope next time, you hear this song differently — and take the time to see someone’s hidden gifts and talents!
Happily married and mom to three boys, our youngest son Raymond is 18 with Down syndrome. I am wildly passionate about inclusion and believe that we are all worthy of being included! I believe so strongly~ that we wrote a book! Check out the book: Fully Included~Stories To Inspire Inclusion! I am a mom. An author. A writer. An advocate. An entrepreneur. We currently live in the Jacksonville Beach, Florida area.
mtetschner