What experience(s) did you have as a child that had a profound positive?

Growing up with my Downs Syndrome brother has affected a lot of the way I am as an adult (as did his death, but that wasn't all that positive.) My son lives in a city where he daily encounters people from all over the world, different races, religions, ethnicities, people in wheelchairs, etc. I hope that he will grow up not fearing difference. My husband didn't shake the hand of a black person until he was in college and he's determined that our son won't grow up so lily-white and sheltered. I agree.