'The Life You Save May Be Your Own'

An estimated 48.9 million people, or 19.4% of the non-institutionalized civilians, have a disability (“Basic…”). With a lack of acceptance toward disabled people, individuals amongst society need to understand disabilities come in a variety of forms. Often times relationships between family members strengthened with disabled children because they have to learn ways to work together effectively. Families with disabled members do not deserve to get judgement placed upon them because they will do anything in their power to stick together through the good and bad. The true meaning of family devotion is shown throughout the short stories “Silver Water”, “The Life You Save May Be Your Own”, as well as in the everyday lives of individuals around the …show more content…
Before becoming a full-time mother and advocate” (“My Story”). Not only does Sandy have a disabled daughter, but she dedicates her life and love to allow her daughter to have all the opportunities possible. Not only does she devote her life to her daughter, she advocates other families to do all they can to allow their special needs child to live the best lifestyle as well. If Sandy did not have the time and dedication to apply to her daughter's life, who would? This is a perfect real life example of a family learning to cope with the hardships that may come along with disabilities. These experiences and examples can also be made into literature …show more content…
Most are constantly made fun of, held back, cut off from reality, and pushed aside. Society today has a decreasing understanding and acceptance for disabled people and their families. It is important for one to remember disabilities come in all types and severities, but that does not define the person or their family. Families that include disabled members have no right to get judged because the family will do anything in their power to stick together through anything. Jane Goodall once said,“Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” Although disabilities can impact any and all aspects of a person, it does not define who a person is. The individual still wants a high quality of life and the parents disabled children have the same hopes and dreams. Whether it is Sandy handling her daughters cerebral palsy, Ms.Carter embracing her daughter's learning disabilities and deafness, or the parents within “Silver Water” caring for their daughter with schizophrenia, family is family. Disabilities do not define them or their