Labels

Most of the time words are just words.  Words that really just don't affect us or words that mean so little we simply ignore them.
In my field I hear words like "delay," "disability," "autism," "hearing loss."  The words do not always mean much to us.  And then they go beyond words and become a label for a person.  The word does not define who the person is, but you can see in the face of the person who is hearing this word attached to a child or parent or self that the label is a definition now.  I can watch the person's heart break in his or her eyes because of a word.
I remember when my son got glasses.  It's only glasses.  He was four.  I cried.  I felt like it was too young.  For a few days I let that define him.  My son=glasses.  It's silly--I know.  I've worn glasses for years!
But then something happens.  The label changes back to just a word.  You find the person again.  You see the child or parent or person before you and realize what a beautiful life there is that needs to be lived and help make it the best life possible.
And redefine all the words.