This video of a father and his autistic son at a Coldplay concert gives Erin Kelly a lot to think about.
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Music has always been a big part of my life. Being the middle child of a musician and disc jockey, my father is always listening to or playing music in some capacity—and I always feel the rhythm of his foot as it vibrates through the floor while, he’s trying to find the right tempo for a song. He doesn’t always get it right on the first time, but he works at it until he does.
I’ve found my own musical tastes through trial and error—but as someone who’s listened to any given song over and over again—I appreciate my Dad’s willingness to be as close to perfect as he can when it comes to music. As a daughter with a disability, however, it means so much more.
My Dad tries as best as he can in understanding the “baggage” that comes with my cerebral palsy. He’s not in my shoes, so it’s difficult for me to understand how he could. I know he sometimes struggles with truly knowing what it is to live life in a wheelchair, as does almost everyone who knows me. However, I know that he would do anything to ease the burden of my daily life and put a smile on my face. That’s the moment when I have to take a few mental steps back and be grateful that he never gives up trying to make my life a little bit better—the same way he never gives up finding he right tone in a song.
So, when I watched the viral video above of Luis Vasquez and his autistic son at a recent Coldplay concert, it really made me think about that very moment when you know someone really understands you. Having a disability isn’t easy for me–and I can only imagine how hard it must be for my Dad or Mom deep down inside. It’s often difficult to find common ground in terms of expressing how I feel–and having my parents or anyone else feel exactly how I feel. When I get those moments, however, they’re oh so sweet—as an emotional Vasquez clearly displays as his son’s favorite band begins to play one of their hit songs, “Fix You”.
I think understanding disability is vital, both for the person who is disabled as well as the one who’s able-bodied. This video is a prime example of that—for every father or parent who’s willing to watch it. And to my Dad, thank you for not giving up on me.
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Photo Credit: www.nydailynews.com