Palisade Pals

So every summer, since I was like 13, my family goes to Palisade State Park down by Manti to demonstrate karate and teach self-defense to handicap kids and their families. Now I've had the chance to take my kids down the last 3 years, and it is amazing! Some of the families there are new, but most of them have been coming all these years. There is not one time I probably haven't smiled through tears at some point while being there, for several reasons. First, I can't fathom the spirit and kindness that they posess. Our family has adopted the name those "special" people. They were definitely sent here to forego Satan's grasp and to teach us for a reason. And second, I know this may sound selfish, but we come home and thank our Heavenly Father for the physical, mental, and social abilities we have. I cannot imagine the patience and time it would take to care for a child in that position, or let alone be one of these special individuals being somewhat trapped trying to communicate your needs and emotions. I want to thank my parents for exposing me to these "special" people early in my life. Through teaching them at Palisades, volunteering at the Special Olympics, and teaching Special Primary with my Dad in my teenage years, my testimony has absolutely grown towards not only these "special" people, but I think towards having compassion to all people. That we are all a child of God, and we are all equal in His eyes.