"A lovely letter from a friend ...."

 Dear Tobias,

I hope this letter finds you well. Your mom told me a bit about your life, how much it has changed due to your unfortunate brain bleed, and how much people around you have changed for various reasons.  I wanted to talk to you about something important, particularly regarding how society perceives interactions between healthy individuals and those who have recently acquired a disability. I know that this might be a challenging time for you, and I want to offer my support and understanding as you navigate this new chapter in your life.

In our society, people's reactions and feelings toward those with disabilities can vary significantly based on their personality, experiences, and level of empathy. Some individuals might respond with kindness, understanding, and genuine empathy, treating you with respect and inclusion. They may try to understand your challenges and emotions better by putting themselves in your shoes.

On the other hand, some people may feel uncertain or awkward when interacting with someone who has a disability. This could be due to a lack of experience or knowledge about disabilities, and they may worry about unintentionally saying or doing the wrong thing. However, it's important to remember that these reactions often come from a place of unfamiliarity rather than malice.

To ensure that these interactions are approached with empathy, understanding, and respect, education plays a significant role. By promoting disability awareness and sensitivity training, society can better comprehend the challenges you and others with disabilities face. Encouraging open conversations about disabilities and breaking down stigmas can also lead to more positive and supportive interactions.

As you interact with healthy individuals, you may encounter various feelings they might have around you. Some may feel empathy and compassion, truly caring about your well-being and wanting to support you in any way they can. Others might display curiosity about your experiences and the impact your disability has on your daily life. Curiosity can be helpful as long as it's approached respectfully, without prying or invading your privacy.

There might also be moments of uncertainty or awkwardness, especially when people are unsure about how to act or what to say. Remember that this often stems from a lack of exposure to disability and not from any intent to exclude or hurt you. Additionally, some individuals may feel inspired by your strength and resilience as you navigate these new challenges in your life.

To promote an inclusive and accessible environment, we must work together to break down barriers. It's crucial to avoid making assumptions about your needs and experiences. Instead, encourage open and respectful communication. You have unique preferences and perspectives, and it's essential for others to listen actively and learn from you directly.

As your friend, I want to be here to support you throughout this journey. Please know that I am always ready to listen, learn, and understand your experiences better. Our society has a long way to go in terms of inclusivity, but I believe that through empathy, education, and open communication, we can make a positive impact.

Please feel free to reach out to me whenever you need someone to talk to or share your thoughts and feelings. You are not alone in this. Even though people might not understand how to act around you, God is on your site. Christ, your brother, see’s you and will guide you and your family during your healing process. As you continue to heal,  together, we can work towards building a more inclusive and understanding world together, someday.

With warmest regards,

On another note: