Nelson Mandela died yesterday, Dec. 5, 2013. A man whose name became synonymous for peace
and freedom, Mandela embodied a man we should all aspire to be like. Today I taught Philip about apartheid and
Nelson Mandela’s role in ending the system of forced segregation and
reconciling South Africa as the nation’s first black president.
After our lesson I asked Philip to name three facts about
Nelson Mandela. He responded on his
letterboard: 1) He was imprisoned for starting a movement against apartheid, 2)
He was a president, 3) He raised awareness about AIDS.
Philip wrote this tribute:
“Nelson Mandela I admire you for your courage. You gave people freedom
from apartheid. Please be remembered always.”
At bedtime, Philip spelled he was thankful for Nelson
Mandela.
After I finished putting Philip to bed, I decided to continue
to learn about Mandela. I came across
some of his most inspirational quotes.
Many of them bolster the hopes I have for Philip. I will share them with him so that he may be
encouraged too.
1)
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
This is so true. I cannot imagine how Mandela must have felt
being in prison for a life sentence, 27 years served. There must have been moments when he thought
all hope was lost for his life and for the equality of those he went to prison
advocating for. What I have learned this
past year in my own life is that I must never give up on a dream. There was a time when I nearly stopped
believing a decent life would be possible for Philip. I am so glad I never completely gave up! I can check off communication as an “impossible”
goal that has been reached. I now have
other things on a list that still seems like a monumental climb, but I believe can be achieved: attending mainstream school, making a close friend, finding a
hobby, earning a living.
2) “Education
is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
When Philip and I did our lessons
on slavery, it was a theme that slaves were not allowed an education and were
punished if they were discovered engaging in such a subversive activity as
learning to read. Those who did become
educated, such as Frederick Douglass, were not only able to change their own lives, but also affect a change in society. In the same way, Philip’s
education will be a cornerstone for changing his life for the better. His education has the potential to open
the doors for others who cannot speak to communicate but are intelligent and
misunderstood. The current accepted system
of education for non-speaking autistics is insufficient and needs to
change. Philip is among a growing group
of non-speaking autistics like Tito, Ido, Naoki, Carly, and many others who are
communicating effectively in alternative ways and proving to others they can
learn just as any other person their age.
There are so
many other pearls of wisdom from Mandela that need no explanation, but resonate
so deeply in our experiences.
3)
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s
chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
4)
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by
how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
5)
“There is no passion to be found playing small –
in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
6)
“Money won’t create success, the freedom to make
it will.”
7)
“We must use time wisely and forever realize
that the time is always ripe to do right.”
8)
“A fundamental concern for others in our
individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the
better place we so passionately dreamt of.”
9)
“Resentment is like drinking poison and then
hoping it will kill your enemies.”
10)
“I like friends who have independent minds
because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.”
11)
“A good head and a good heart are always a
formidable combination.”
12)
“When people are determined they can overcome
anything.”
RIP Nelson Mandela.
Thank you for leaving us all a lasting legacy.
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