Parents know that the world can be cold and cruel sometimes. It is easy and natural to want to shelter kids from mean-spirited children and immature adults. The reality, unfortunately, is that we cannot be there 24 hours a day, seven days a week to protect them. For children living with a physical or medical condition that is visible for others to see, it can mean a lifetime of taunting and bullying. Still, there are some kids that either want to see the good in others or simply learn to forgive a wrongdoing as soon as it happens. Ruth Gaon thought she had grown accustomed at people looking at her eight-year-old son, Erez Gaon. Erez was born with congenital melanocytic nevus, a condition where birthmarks of all sizes appear through-out the body. This time, however, the mother of three felt like she was about to lose her temper. Ironically, it was her son who taught her how to react to bullies.Instead, they wrapped him around in blankets to conceal his birthmarks.
This occurs due to a mutation in the body’s cells, usually in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Ruthi and her husband are parents to another boy and a girl.
This was a concern as it may cause epileptic seizures. The baby boy has gone through several surgeries.
To ensure Erez is socially included he also attends a public school once a week. Ruthi points out Erez is a happy boy who is a social butterfly.
Ruthi, refuses to change their life and that of Erez. Nonetheless, the older he gets the more Erez understands when he is being bullied.
Ruthi took to Facebook to explain to Erez how she felt about the experience. “I swear I got used to people staring at you, the comments behind our back; the sad fact is that no matter how much we talk of inclusion and acceptance the different one remains excluded and will always draw attention,” she wrote.
“Sometimes it is even amusing. But it is hard for me when people are just mean. How can someone laugh about you, my beloved son?” she asked.
“Erezi, the easiest thing would have been to explode at that mother, laughing at her young daughter’s insulting remarks about your unique look (things I can’t even put in writing). I swear that at that moment I felt as if I would squash her face (and much more). But you just smiled, took my hand and just kept on walking,” she revealed.
Ruthi then posted her message along with the photos on Facebook. “A magical touch you have, my child. It’s a fact that instead of me wanting to strangle her I have decided to show everyone that I am so proud of you and your many dots,” she wrote. “Especially that dot which is really close to your beautiful eye that manages to see all the goodness in this world and disregard all the rest.”
Every photo came with the hashtag #FriendsofErez. Local children’s entertainer Twiigy uploaded a photo of himself covered in spots.
“There are brave children and adults who are challenged by it all over the world.” Their new social media friends bombarded Erez with words of encouragement, love, and support.
“I choose to forgive you, not only because it is the days of forgiveness of Rosh Hashana but because of my treasure, Erez, who teaches me every day how to be a better person,” admits Ruthi.
