Friendship Circle

“I Get It”-Friendship Circle Apparel

Just as I was about to "borrow" my almost 4 year old's Silly Bandz, so as not to be left out of the trend this summer of wearing multiple bangles upon one's arm, along came something better: a smooth, brown leather wrist band bearing the words "I get it" and the logo of embracing arms that is the signature sign of the Friendship Circle. I should have known that Friendship Circle would develop an of-the-moment product that gives people what they really want: not a fleeting feeling of cool brought on by the latest fad, but a true connection with humanity of all shapes and sizes, experience and "(dis)ability". "I get it" is a way of seeing people for who they are not what they can do.  "I get it" means that I am part of a glorious revolution to move the world forward towards a place of true inclusion, wherein children are taught from a young age that not all lives unfold in the same manner.  "I get it" means that my child is perfect, despite what MRIs, EEGS, swallow studies and IQ tests reveal.  "I get it" means that there are able bodied teenagers in the world who are more interested in keeping the playful and open-minded child in them alive than they are in the ordinary teenage pursuits of social exclusivity and cliquishness.  "I get it" means giving exhausted parents a break by creating an atmosphere of complete trust where their children can have fun and be kids while not directly under their 24 X 7 watchful eyes.  "I get it" means there is a way for my child to fulfill his or her potential. I wear my wrist band a lot. I think I'll be wearing it for awhile. You can find the "I Get It Bracelet" and other Friendship Circle apparel at www.shopfc.org Gabriella Burman is a parent coach for families whose children have Cerebral Palsy.  She can be reached at [email protected].