Representation is fucking important.

No, Mum, I’m not apologising for swearing here. Today I want to tell you the story of Cassie* and you all need to stop and listen.

Cassie is a 16yo girl who has a disability. She started coming into my store around 3 or 4 years ago. Once or twice a week her carer Sandra* brings her in for a lap around the store just because she loves it so much.

At first, Cassie was shy and didn’t like chatting much. I’d make small talk with Sandra and over time we developed a bit of rapport.

And then it happened. Somewhere in between lockdowns, they came into the store and I greeted them with a huge smile as always and asked how they were. To my surprise and absolute delight, Cassie held up her toy for me to see. She was all excited to show me and was the first time she felt comfortable interacting with me.

This became a weekly thing. Every Thursday they come in and Cassie shows me her new toy (she gets one every week while out with Sandra). She told me that her 16th birthday is coming up and even told me that she started working one day a week.

Then, yesterday.

It was the first time I’ve seen them for a few weeks due to my work schedule changing. When they came in, Cassie’s eyes lit up and she shoved something towards Sandra and said something I didn’t quite catch. Sandra smiled and passed me a Barbie who was in a wheelchair. They invited me to test drive it on the counter.

“She’s in a wheelchair just like me!”

“It has brakes!”

“SHE’S JUST LIKE ME!”

Representation matters, people.

Now excuse me while I go and sob my heart out in the corner.

<3

~Amex

* Names changed.