After having a beautiful delivery with my new baby my thoughts were telling me that the worst was over. All I would have to do is concentrate on raising my child, going back to school, being a wife, and achieving my dreams of advocating for the disabled community. Sounds easy-peasy right?

Well, just a couple of weeks ago I was invited to an old friend’s baby shower. My cousin and I went together. Unlike other siblings of mine, I love to take Mathew with me everywhere I go. I don’t want to leave him for someone else to watch him while I party.  So we arrived and walked in and say hi to people.

A Baby Shower Invitation

This baby shower was not like most baby showers. They have all kinds of beer and liquor and food, and people dancing and stuff. My cousin and I decided to sit down and eat. While we were eating Mathew got hungry. I got the bottle out and start feeding him. Immediately people started to ask my cousin if that was her baby and say how adorable he was; but my cousin said “No, he is her baby” while pointing to me.

After she said that to them they gave me this look like they are surprised. Once I saw them give me that look, people started to talk amongst each other and started saying “Oh, that’s her baby?” I felt like I was being displayed with my son at a museum. I have never felt more hurt and embarrassed.  When I got home I began to think, and said to myself that I definitely would have to do something about bringing awareness to the community this upcoming October. I am tired of people here in Miami not being respectful of the disabled community. I need to make a change. Of course, I would need the help of my fellow members. One voice can be powerful, but imagine what 5 or 6 can do?

-Cinthia