Story by Samantha Amidon
“Can you tell me the story of how you lost your arm?” he said.
“Sure. I was in an accident when I was just 10 years old.”
“Oh okay. My mom says it never hurts to ask and asking is better than staring.”
I bet when you started reading this, you would have never guessed this conversation was with a child. I was taken back (in a good way) too.
So many times children stare and make statements like, “what happened to YOU” or what’s WRONG with your arm?” And it’s no fault to them, and mostly no fault to their parents, because they’re kids. Kids are bold and unpredictable. It never causes me to be upset AT them, but there’s always a little sting when that “what’s WRONG with your arm” hits my ears my heart.
But yesterday, when this little boy, (now a new friend of mine) approached me in the way that he did, “tell me the story…” I immediately knew I should do 2 things:
•THANK HIS MOTHER for discussing these situations with her child + congratulate her on her success in actually getting a small human to consider her advice long enough to utilize it. 
•SHARE THIS STORY with all of you!
He had grace and compassion in his voice. He thought through what he was going to say, before he said it. He approached the topic in a way that gave me a purpose instead of making me feel like an outcast. He listened to my answer and then followed up with validation on why he was asking.
Honestly, I got on here to share this story for the parents who (like me) wonder what’s the best way to teach our kids how to act/approach those who are “different”, but now that I have this all typed out, this post is just as much for ADULTS as it is for kids.
We can ALL learn from this 8 year old. Humans are still raising kind humans and I think that alone, deserves an applause! 
You can follow her journey on: Facebook, Instagram and Website
