When the chariot turned into pumpkin…
……. At the stroke of mid-night, Cindrella gasped at the prince, “I’m Late” she said. When Prince asked, “For what?”, she explained- “The Reality!”
Although Cindrella had her happy-ending inspite of being shown that she had to strive harder for her expectation to turn reality, I ponder upon how many get their reality to be same as their expectation, especially in the area of special education.
The reality has been quite harsh for special educators and parent of individuals with special needs in every aspect, the stories of struggles and pain-stricken follow ups with school managements, government officials, job providers, therapists, are numerous as well as long and detailed. The saga of a glimmer of hope turning into an ill-fated life event may convince one not to put-forth any effort in converting their expectation into reality.
In this blog post, however, I want to look into the brighter side of things. As they say the journey matters not the end, I too believe that it is the decision to ‘give things a go’ that matters. I believe that for a person who is persistent in having a goal and decides to follow the never-ending path of yellow- bricked road, the result will definitely lead you to a favorable direction. If not as favorable as one may expect, but it would for sure lead one closer to the desired expectations.
I might be philosophical and not have provided answers on how to turn one’s expectations into reality, but I want to reiterate that what matters is the willingness to fight and try every possible chance for your loved ones, the worse that could happen is your expectation remains an expectation. Imagine what could have happened if Cindrella had not plunged ahead and decide to try the glass slippers on her own will and accord?
We are the person who make our own reality and expectations. Our willingness and determination should be with extra effort as we fight for the cause of those whose voice are unheard. Between reality and expectation, I want to choose life. Our struggle in making the expectation into reality is what makes our life unique and different. The result that we get is not the conclusion of our life, but a sign that says strive harder for you too may find the glass slipper to try on.
The golden chariot might have turned into pumpkin, but if we want to consider that pumpkin to make delicious pumpkin soup or an ill-fate depends on us. I have had my share of pumpkins, after much ado about the existence of it in my life, I realized I can’t run away from it. I have begun to use my experience in failures to my advantage now. Every failure I face, I laugh at it and I say to it with great pride and glory- “Will see you soon!”.
Written by-
Sharmila Jois Vellal.