Posted on 11/27/2012 4:02:52 PM PST by rawhide
PALM BAY, Fla. — For most of Acacia Woodley's 10 years, she has noticed people staring at her and, at times, whispering about her.
The sixth-grader at Palm Bay Elementary School has learned to stand up for herself. Born without a right hand and a deformed left one, she has embraced what she calls her "difference." It's part of what makes Acacia, Acacia.
"Some people say they feel sorry for me. I tell them not to be," she said. "I don't care that I'm different. I like that I'm different."
Moving from the Caribbean to South Carolina, then to Arizona, and finally Florida, Acacia realized there were bullies everywhere.
After arriving in Brevard, she decided to do something about it. She proposed a place where anyone could go when they need a friend, when they could use some support or reassurance. Or even a hug.
A "friendship bench."
If a student sits on the bench, it's a signal to classmates — and nearby adults — it's time to become a friend. Acacia borrowed the idea from something she'd seen in South Carolina.
Acacia's first friendship bench sits in the Palm Bay Elementary School lobby, a brightly painted, Adirondack-stye place to sit.
So far, it's been put to good use and has proven such a popular idea that other schools are inquiring about one, too.
(Excerpt) Read more at ajc.com ...
Okay, that actually sounds paranoid unless they are whispering really loudly....
From experience after my son's first brain tumor operation, one side of his head shaved and scared. People in Church whispering as they looked at him. He wore a hat most often.
He told me, he would rather they come and ask him about it than to stare. Don't be afraid to ask, in fact you may be very enlightened, they don't bite.
Okay, that actually sounds paranoid
Get real.....Shes not paranoid she is observant
God Bless her.
What a sweetie.
With really good hearing.
People are always whispering to each other in the hallways....
“Berny smells weird”
“Monica has a white stain on her dress”
“Mr. Monroe was hitting on me... yuck (or easy A)”
“Wanna buy some Twinkies, they’re serving sprouts for lunch again?”
“Why does the school nurse keep giving me balloons?”
...............
When I was in Jr High, there was this kid who was a bit... handicapped... he had deformed hands, a sideways foot, 3 fingers on one (actually two of his fingers had melded together before birth)...
You know what??
Everyone liked the guy!! Kind of like Timmay! on South Park... which didn’t exist back then...
You don’t know that we watch you and whisper about you?
lolz
I know you do! It’s been going on for a while too!
Makes me so mad...
:p
If her difference had been detected in utero, this beautiful child would likely have been aborted. Read in the article how devastated her mother was. People don’t know how strong they can be until they try.
And at age 10, she already has high, rounded cheekbones a la Bo Derek and arched brows. Let’s have that discourse on perfect design.
The kid is a cute kid, and has some guts. She's likely to go far. I wouldn't mind having her for a grand-daughter.
/johnny
She is definitely cute. Probably a good kid too.
You have a picture for every occasion/story!
They always look innocent. It's a cover. I'll bet she just scored a multi-million ruble black market deal on the internet. Look at that smug smile. ;)
I always give kids the respect I give to adults. Lots of times, they live up to that.
She's getting positive press at age 10. Better than I did. None of my press was positive.
/johnny
Vivaldi had a concerto for every season :-)
your press... lol
/johnny
dude....
why would you look at a 10 year old and think of Bo Derek? You might as well say she looks perfect for Penthouse or something. ugh
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