Ability in Disability

Ji Young and I have known each other for two years now. She was in one of my English classes. Ji Young and I are the same age. I tease her that I'm her "elder" (which is important in Korea) because I am 4 days older than her. She always laughs. Ji Young is teaching me about life. Because of her disability, she can not walk and she doesn't have control of her limbs. Her mom is her caretaker. (an amazing woman!) Everything she does (except for thinking) requires the help of another. I can not imagine being so dependent on another person. Today when she came over she was hungry. I helped her eat a snack. I experienced first hand (no pun intended) how dependent she is. She allowed me to feed her. Ji Young's gift to me is her ability to have a disability. In her disability she has the ability to help me to see beyond "what I see". In her disability she has the ability to teach me to listen well. In her disabilty she has the ability to teach patience. Ji Young's English name is "Joy". She is just that--Joy--and she gifts people with joy. Today Ji Young was in charge of the recipe. She told me what to do and I did it. She liked the "power". She doesn't like sweet things, but she liked our oatmeal cookies.