A Simple Way to Change the World

I watched a young woman change the world today. Amelia Abel isn’t the President of the United States. She’s never run for public office or been on a committee.

But this is one of the bravest people I have ever met. I watched her stand before the Eugene Downtown Lions Club and talk about what it’s like to live with Downs Syndrome.

After talking with the audience, a woman came running up to Amelia with tears streaming down her face. She said “Amelia, you are a lightening rod to me today.”

The woman’s granddaughter is three years old and has Downs Syndrome. This grandmother had no idea that someone with Downs Syndrome could be so articulate, so involved and so alive. Amelia is not alone in her zest for life. Just because someone has Downs Syndrome does not mean they can’t do the same things the rest of us can do. It simply takes Amelia and those with similar syndromes, a little longer to do things.

Simply by being herself, Amelia changed the life of this grandmother and the grandchild. That little girl will never be the same now that this grandmother understands the value, ability and capabilities of that little girl.

Amelia was not speaking to change the world. She was simply doing what she loves best, loving people. She was telling her story and the truth set free a grandmother and a little girl we may never meet.

Don’t ever tell me that little things don’t change the world. The real power in life does not come in public relations campaigns; boardrooms or backroom deals with politicians. The real change comes when people like you, Amelia and me simply stand up for what we think and get involved.

Now, get off you butt and go change the world…be yourself.

1 Comment

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  Jan January 26, 2011 at 9:59 pm

  I heard you and Amelia speak at the Eugene downtown lions club today and found myself moved to tears from the message that you sent. I recently had to remove myself from a relationship where this person thought the color of someones skin made a difference in what they had in their heart. The message that you and Amelia are sending is a message of love and equality. Thank you Amelia for your courage and thank you Rick for helping Amelia get this message out. You both are “shining stars”!!!