Though loved immensely by her parents, the round-the-clock care that must be provided for Melody, a cerebral palsy sufferer, leads her to feel as if she is a burden. When her parents discover that they have conceived another child, both they and Melody worry if the baby will inherit its sisters condition. Penny's healthy delivery and development are a relief, and she is a joy for the entire family. Though dependent to a fault and unable to verbalize her thoughts, Melody is a far from a vegetable. In fact, her discovered intelligence affords her placement in a regular education class at school, and along with an educational aide, she makes great strides. Her greatest feat being earning a perfect score on a qualify exam and subsequently helping to land her class a spot in the national trivia competition. Though underestimated and physically limited, Melody proves that she has the spirit of a champion.
I have a mentally challenged relative whose mother is much like Melody's neighbor, Mrs. V. Though not in denial that her son will forever be in her care, she exposes him to art, culture, and language and makes no excuses for his condition. Hers is an "it is what it is" attitude, and she is determined to continue teaching and expecting great things from Albert. It is such a delight to celebrate with them when he achieves milestones he was never "supposed" to reach. Limitations are the burden of limited thinkers!
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