Last Monday, Alon, age 4, came to work at ALYN with his mother because his kindergarten was closed. Instead of staying in daycare, he wanted to see what his mom does—and maybe play a little along the way.
Shavit Nevo – Occupational Therapist (Rehabilitation Department)
At the same time, M., a sweet 3.5-year-old patient, arrived for his therapy session. Within minutes, the two were sitting together at the table, naturally collaborating.
They made hamantaschen out of playdough, took turns using the rolling pin, and laughed endlessly. When Alon noticed that M. was having difficulty opening the playdough container, he quickly helped him—perhaps a bit too quickly, as we were actually encouraging M. to try on his own.
Later, they moved to the mat, rolling around, playing, and laughing together. We tried to get them to play catch with a ball, but they were simply happy being together.
At one point, with the honest curiosity of a child, Alon asked:
“Why are you in a wheelchair?”
I told him he could ask M. himself.
And M. answered simply:
“Because it’s hard for me to move my legs.”
And that was it.
Two children, close in age, playing, working, and laughing together—without barriers, and without differences.