Dignity.

It’s a short word, but when it’s allowed it is so powerful.

In this case I am referring to the real story of the Oscar ceremony. Just like no one wants to talk about Bruno ( “Encanto”), everyone is talking about the slap.

Shame on Will Smith for overshadowing a beautiful moment in entertainment history.

Liza Minnelli is known for singing, dancing, acting and being a performer with a Capital P.

Mesmerizing, talented and beautiful are a few more adjectives.

Things changed after a serious case of viral encephalitis in 2000. Doctors said Minnelli would spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair and perhaps not be able to speak again. However, taking vocal and dance lessons daily, she managed to recover. She appeared on a Sept. 19, 2001, episode of “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” notable because it was Rosie’s first show back following the Sept. 11 attacks. Despite having had vocal surgery shortly before, she sang her signature song, “New York, New York,” and received an enthusiastic ovation.

At age 76, public appearances have been rare. On the 50th anniversary of Minnelli winning the Oscar for the film “Cabaret,” she appeared to present the award for the best film. Lady Gaga was there to help.

Gaga, who BuzzFeed said has often spoken of her admiration for Minnelli, was face to face with her idol and quickly took on a supporting role.

She held her hand, she helped her as she stumbled over the words. And she whispered, “I got you.” Minnelli answered, “I know, thank you.”

The star allowed her idol to have her moment. Gaga could have quickly taken over or upstaged her. She gently showed love.

If you didn’t see this exchange, please search for it online. It will make your day.

Too often people in a wheelchair are overlooked. People act as if they can’t do anything else or they are less than a person. Too often they lose their dignity because they need help.

It reminds me of one night in Palmerton hospital when I helped my grandmother in the bathroom. It was a sad, defining moment for me shortly before she died. She helped me for years as a child and yes, changed my diapers. This was the least I could do.

Likely, some day someone will need to help me.

It’s a life cycle whether we like it or not.

Interesting to note, the best picture was “CODA,” about the hearing daughter of deaf parents. Here’s another world few of us ever can experience or comprehend.

The Associated Press has an entry about writing about people with disabilities. Sad that we are clueless so we need to be told what to say.

Because we can’t comprehend these concepts, someone has invented special awareness months. This month is designated for autism awareness.

I’ve had a few students in my Sunday school class over the years who are on the autism spectrum. I admit being apprehensive because they didn’t communicate well or really, it was me.

I didn't communicate well. That didn’t mean I shouldn’t try.

I asked one child’s mother how to approach it and got a bit of insight.

Through our time I really that the girl is not only beautiful, but has a great eye for art and a determination to do beautiful crafts.

I might not do the right thing but I am trying.

People, no matter what their disability, want to be treated with love and respect.

And allowed to have their dignity.

Lady Gaga showed us all one way to do that.