Angelman Syndrome: Character Analysis

I am a perfectionist, and the irony is that I know I would be more perfect if I was not. Sometimes I used to get so focused on what I could be doing better or what was not going perfect, that it prevented me from appreciating what I have. I walked into our family friends’ house distracted by all the things that are not perfect enough in my life, to see Olivia, the most perfectly present person I have ever met. As I got to know her, she changed my perspective on what perfection is in a lasting way.
Olivia is challenged with Angelman Syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder that causes developmental disability, speech problems and causes patients to require care for life. The more time I spent with her, the more I became aware that I was previously oblivious to the struggles outside my everyday existence. Much of the time Olivia was happy doing things like playing with shaving cream and figure painting. However, at times, Olivia gets frustrated when she cannot
Olivia had ups and downs, days she struggled and days that went well, but in this moment she was one hundred percent enjoying this perfect moment. That was enough for her and it made it enough for me. Sometimes, previously, I had gotten frustrated when I needed help with homework or something did not go exactly as I planned. I had never imagined what it would be like to need help with everything such as eating, changing clothes, or even bathing. In that moment, I realized the wisdom and perspective behind her smile. Olivia and her family have found a way to appreciate the little things and recognize a new perfect and keep smiling. It showed me that every day there should be no reason not to appreciate what we have. My perspective is forever changed because of her. While I still aim for perfection, Olivia helped me realize it is important to live in the moment and realize that what I have is perfect