"Cathedral" by Raymond Carver

I can’t remember anytime that I ever judged someone or questioned their ability because of having a disability. My aunt has a learning disability and even though she’s 15 years older than me, we were always hanging out and were best friends growing up. I guess she gave me the ability to see people for who they are, no matter the circumstances. But I do remember once when I was 4, my Grandma innocently pointed out a dwarf couple that was in front of us in line at the movies. Since I was so young, the second I seen them I was insistent on taking them home with me! She couldn’t get me to shut up! My Grandma always told this story because of how cute and funny, right? Well that gets me to a radio show I was listening to recently, the host was interviewing two little people (dwarfs). He asked them how had people treated them differently. The dwarfs said people would approach them and ask stupid questions like “So how is it being a dwarf?” and “Do you wish you were taller?”!!! They also said people would get their phones out and obviously take pictures of them as if it were no big deal. Since my Grandma put them on display for me, a 4 year old, I was not discreet in any way, my demands that I wanted to take my new friends home were obvious! If they heard me they completely ignored me though, I do remember that also! Now I realize that dwarfs get put on display lots, some people are more innocent and others are more hurtful. But to respect people for being who they are and treating them as equals is what I try to practice every day.