Christmas time means shopping, and shopping means lots and lots of people. This year we have done less online and more in stores, with Super D in tow. With all the people, this can be challenging to say the least. Often the wheelchair will not fit down crowded isles, and if it does, the hands and feet never stop moving. People tend to get cranky when he pulls their carts sideways as they go by.
Our last big shopping trip went about the same. We set out with Super D and Baby B to pick up a couple last minute items. What should have been a three hour trip ended up being close to five. Days like that are hard on the little ones, especially Daniel.
After the second stop, we slipped into Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Super D was struggling by then. Lunch was our normal outing event, with seizure activity followed by hyperactivity. Throw in a little throwing of food and some attempting to bolt and you have a normal restaurant experience for our family.
I normally watch people, this day was no different. However, it was different in the fact that no one was paying attention to Super D. Or at least I thought no one was.
As we were finishing up, a young lady in her 20’s appeared at our table. She had been sitting close by. To my surprise, she must have been watching us. She stopped to tell me one thing.
“Your doing a good job.”
By that time I was getting frustrated. God knew what I needed and sent this stranger to tell me.
Now, a lot of people tell me things like this. For it to come from a complete stranger is something entirely different.
I do not know who the young woman was. She will never know how much the simple comment meant to me. In a world filled with so much anger and hate, five simple words can make a huge difference.
Next time you see a family struggling with a special needs child, give in to the urge to encourage them. A simple word of kindness can mean so much to a stranger.
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. – Philippians 4:5
Life With Super D! 