A Word About Snail

We're in Franklin Mode here, especially Andy, so I see way too much of it. But I have a favorite- Snail.

If you are unfamiliar with Franklin, the series focuses on a turtle who is generally a good kid, but he makes mistakes and then has to learn what to do about them. He has several friends who help with this. Snail is one of Franklin's best friends, and often share in interesting adventures.

Why Snail? Because Snail needs help with some things. He's slow, so he needs a ride to the bus stop or home. He can't be a hider in hide and seek because he'd take too long to hide. He cheers at teh soccer games because he doesn't have feet and can't run.

But best of all, he is never referred to as disabled, handicapped, or otherwise labeled. It's simply part of who he is- he's Snail. He's a snail. It's just the way it is.

I liked best how it was discussed in the episode "Nature Walk"- snail just has his own snail way of doing things. He's been a snail all his life- he's pretty good at it by now.

May that someday be the attitude towards all people. They are the way they are. They have their own way of doing things, and should be allowed to do the things they can do- and yet not be afraid to ask for help when they need it.