“Wonder,”by RJ Palacio

Dear Friends and Family,

I would like to share with you the impact a book has made.  It’s called “Wonder,” by RJ Palacio. It has had world-wide success due to its impactful message, “If you have a choice between being right and being kind, choose kind.” As it is currently Anti-Bullying Week, I hope you can take the time to read this powerful book and share its message with your children.

This is a story about self acceptance and the importance of supporting others who may be perceived as “different.” I believe it is crucial to teach children at a young age the importance of not judging others and embracing each other’s differences. These tools will certainly be carried forward into their adolescence and adulthood.

As the mother of a “physically challenged” child, who, like the protagonist of “Wonder,” Auggie Pullman, has a rare genetic condition causing physical deformities, I felt a deep connection to the story.  I read it with great fervour when Olivia started “big girl school” in September.  There were several overlapping similarities between Auggie and Olivia. For example, enrolling at a new school, making new friends, separated from a protective mother for an entire school day, coping with peoples’ perceptions of disability, developing inner strength, and especially, dealing with acceptance of being ‘different.’

Over the past year, Olivia has struggled with acceptance of her condition. Questions she has posed are, “Mommy, why am I small?, why can’t I walk?, when will I be big like Carolina and Gabriella?”  I see the look of malaise when children and adults point, stare and talk about her as if she cannot see or hear them.  My role as mother is to instantly protect and shield her from this, but I realise she must find the inner strength to speak up for herself.  We are all different, she says. I am special. Her 6 year old sister has carried some of the weight of these questions when her peers question, ‘what’s wrong with your sister?” I aspire to empower my three daughters to face whatever struggles they may face.

I, too, have struggled with acceptance of Olivia’s condition. There are days when it is unfathomable that we could have the 18th child diagnosed with Goldblatt Syndrome, a life-limiting condition due to a ‘spontaneous, genetic mutation.’  The rarity of the condition is beyond comprehension. It is through our faith in God and support of friends and family that we are able to get through the difficult times.

In September, Olivia began Reception at a school with over 400 students. I felt it was important to introduce Olivia to the school by writing a letter explaining Olivia’s condition. The responses were heartwarming. The overwhelming support of the Headmistress and her strong team have immensely facilitated Olivia’s transition from nursery.

Please remember, as RJ Palacio expressed, “Be kinder than is necessary. Because it’s not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.”

Take an afternoon to read this book. It certainly has taken a permanent place on my bookshelf and in my heart.