Although we’re all beautiful and precious, we’re also a little challenged and labor intensive in some way. Aren’t we? 

While my daughter with cystic fibrosis indeed had visible and obvious “special needs”, I often wondered about my other daughter whose needs were hidden, yet equally real nonetheless.

Although needs may be quite distinct and vary in degrees of social, emotional, mental, or spiritual intensity, everyone alive contends with the human condition. Those who believe they are somehow immune or above this, may in fact have the most need among us. 

Everyone on the planet has “special needs”. Beyond the obvious physical needs, there are reasons for why a soul is “here”, in a body, on Earth. Perhaps it’s in this subtle recognition of both our unique and shared humanity that we’ll be better able to mend our disconnection and learn how to best serve and support one another.