Aaron’s impact on this world seizes to amaze me. Upon reading what I am about to share with you all, I was immediately covered in goosebumps and moved to tears . Joy “Lynette” Gibson is one of my mother’s dear friends who without a doubt has struck up a special bond with Aaron. They immediately clicked… it has been an absolute privilege to see and hear the way he has impacted her life.
Without further delay, please enjoy “The Unconditional Heart” written by Joy “Lynette” Gibson.
When I first met Aaron 14 years ago, he offered me a beer at 2:00 in the afternoon. No one was home, I had stopped by unannounced … and he cordially invited me in. I did not hesitate and felt very welcomed, I did not take the beer, however I enjoyed my initial visit with this extraordinary young man. Not only did I not feel different but on the contrary, felt as if someone who did not know me (yet) let me come into a world so pure, natural, and similar … that I would only gain the ability to grow & learn from this new found friendship. And so, our story starts ……
I have been told by many that I am the “dog whisperer”. No, Aaron is. Because, similar hearts find each other. Certainly understand each other. I have witnessed on many occasions this uncanny relationship between Aaron and dogs. As if they “get” him, he “gets” them. They both sense this similarity. No, I am not comparing Aaron to a dog. By any means. He is smarter. And certainly more clever and funnier! The idea that this unconditional yearning for acceptance and love just comes naturally. As it “should”. however ….
I see more than often, people do not like to feel different. It makes them uncomfortable. So, trying to connect with the special needs person just makes them “ stand out”. At least in their minds. They don’t like it. I however, see the need to connect with this “difference” because by finding the similarities, I will benefit from this humble relationship – and I’ve been fortunate to have had this for many years in knowing Aaron. He has taught me to accept us as being similar. He doesn’t feel that we are different. I have never treated him “special” – if anything he treats me special. He makes me feel needed and wanted. He does this, without any preparation, or pre-anticipated actions. He just does, “it”!
I have conversations with Aaron that are so real and to the point. One thing that Aaron says and does.. Automatically, is question “right back at me” … what I just asked him. And then, he comes up with, “so when are you coming to visit” or “how is Ben and Quinn” or “don’t come and visit” and “the hell with Ben and Quinn” God love him. In that small window …. I smile (usually a lot) and my heart is filled with this momentary gratefulness of knowing this unconditional heart and soul that I know, deep deep in my heart, that he loves me, and cares about me. For real! Aaron probably doesn’t really know why he loves me. But, one thing he does know, is that he does. Because he feels it. And he really doesn’t care how and why. Wouldn’t our world be a better place if we all could take this ability to love and care unconditionally – value it and use it in our daily lives. And not “dissect” every little word and emotion. – Well, in reality, this will never happen.
We know that “this” ability may not always work for everyone, but, if we could all try and find an Aaron in our life, whether it’s a person, a dream, a talent, a pet…. we can all grow and benefit from being open to this similarity (at least the curiosity) that man kind needs and would benefit from.
Aaron has personally brought me “joy” of acceptance. I couldn’t be more grateful to know him and to continue to grow with him. We are the same. And I am proud to say that.
– joy “lynette” gibson
Thank You, Joy “Lynette” Gibson for sharing your heart’s ability to see the similarities over the differences.
Seeing the similarities over the differences is the heart’s greatest ability.
“To be brave is to love someone unconditionally, without expecting anything in return.” – Madonna
If you have a story you wish to share about YOUR experience with seeing the similarities over the differences please contact: theheartability@gmail.com
