Why Am I Different?

Why can't I do that?

“Mum, Mum! Andy’s mother says I don’t know how to play properly. She says I’m too bossy.” Zak called as he crashed in through the door and threw himself face down onto the couch, sobbing his heart out.

“Come here sweetheart,” his mum cooed, “it’s alright now.”

She wondered why others couldn’t be more understanding about Zak’s special difficulties. It’s hard enough for children like him, she thought, without people adding to his problems by saying unkind things. She put her arms around the little boy and cuddled him close to her body. He felt safe and loved. “You do come across as being a bit boisterous you know Zak,” she explained, “and sometimes other children are even frightened of you. If you could just put the brakes on a little, things would be easier, but it is part of your character not to be able to do that.”

Zak looked into her eyes questioningly, “but why aren’t I able to do that?” he said.

“Because your brain is special and works differently than most other children's brains,” she explained, “and this is what makes you different. When you grow up though, you will be able to put this difference to good use.”

“How will I be able to do that Mum?” he asked curiously.

“Well,” she replied, “you may want to be a high flying businessman, with offices all over the world. But in order to keep ahead in business you will need to be determined, and yes, even bossy sometimes. This is where your character will come into it’s own.”

“Oh yeah.” Zak laughed, “I could end up just like that Richard Brainstorm couldn’t I?” he continued. “I think I will stay in awhile and watch television.” His mum always made him feel cheerful when he was feeling sad or insecure.

Sometimes, even family members don't understand

Zak’s older brother William looked sulkily at Zak. “Come on Zak, catch the ball. You’re useless.” Zak tried again, but the ball always slipped through his fingers.

“I don’t like sport anyway,” Zak complained. “You know I prefer working on my computer.”

“Computers are for nerds,” William sneered. “I’m going to call for Benson. At least he can catch a ball.” He sloped off, leaving Zak standing forlornly on his own.

Zak found his mum in the kitchen up to her elbows in butter and flour.

“Buns won’t be long ” she said cheerily.

“Mum,” interrupted Zak, “why am I out of step with the other children? I often feel like I don’t understand their world.”

His mum looked at him with a concerned look in her eye. “You are right Zak,” she said, “you are different from the run-of-the-mill, but children like you have amazing talents and are usually very creative. Just think how boring the world would be if there were no artists, explorers or entertainers.”

“Sometimes I would like to be like all the others though,” said Zak sorrowfully. His mum smiled her special smile and bent down so that her face was at the same height as Zak’s.

“Now listen to me young man,” she said sternly, “you must be proud of who you are. You are an individual, a one-off. There is no one else like you in all the world. I know it feels hard sometimes, but when you grow up you will do great things, maybe invent a new type of computer, or become Prime Minister or President. Leaders and creative people, like you, make poor workers because of the way they are made.”

“Are there any others like me?” Zak then asked.

“Of course, my love,” his mum replied, “there are many children in the world who feel out of place and separated from the world around them, but many grow up to be famous scientists, actors, inventors or leaders.”

“Thanks Mum,” said Zak, as he dashed upstairs to play on his computer.

There are millions of children in this world, all of whom have good points and bad points. Some have special difficulties which makes it hard for them, and may make them feel that they are different from the crowd. But sometimes it is not always best to be ordinary. Life is not as exciting for ordinary people as those who were born to explore, and to take life by the scruff of the neck and shake it! We must all be proud of who we are, and try to make the best out of the qualities that God has given us.

©Gail Miller 1999

next: Dealing With Conflict: Breaking the Cycle of Arguments