Aren't They Beautiful?

Tonight we were eating at our favorite outdoor restaurant and there was another family sitting at our same picnic table. I noticed the little girl, about 5 or 6 years old, kept looking at Zoya. I heard her say to her dad, "Why does her eyes look like that?" To which her dad responded, "Aren't they beautiful?" And I could tell he meant it and wasn't just saying it because he was embarassed. For a brief moment I felt sad because it was a swift reminder that my child is noticeably different causing others to judge prematurely. And yes, I forget that she is different on a daily basis because to me she is perfect and I forget that she looks different to other people. When I look at her I don't see Down Syndrome, I see Zoya....my perfectly and purposely created beautiful daughter.  My mind raced toward Zoya going to elementary and then middle and then high school.  I know kids often judge a book by it's cover, but then again so do adults.  Then I snaped out of it when I realized what had just happened. A young impressionable child was questioning her dad, not only about why Zoya looked different, but also receiving a lesson she might remember forever. Her dad's heartfelt answer showed his daughter that even though Zoya looks different she still has value and is still beautiful inside and out. In three words this father set such an amazing example for his daughter. I have a feeling maybe he talked to her a little bit more about why Zoya looked different once they left. But I thought his answer was perfect. Kids at that age value their parents' opinions more than any other opinions and her dad's answer was enough for her. After her dad answered her question by saying, "aren't they beautiful?" their other daughter started commenting about what a cute baby Zoya is. That is all it took. And I agree, those eyes are somethin' beautiful!