Okay, I know I'm a day late but I just had to share these two posts that fellow JS moms put on Facebook yesterday. They totally hit a nerve for me. I hope you enjoy as I did.
For all the moms who had to wait longer (or are still waiting) to hear a first word, who spend more time in doctors offices with their child than on playdates, who endure countless bad days and the stares from other people. For the moms whos child's first friend was their therapist. For the moms who face special needs every day...Happy Mother's Day! - Posted by Christy Dyck Krentz
Sometimes I forget that our days with Leyla are so much differnt than the average 21 month old. I forget until we're around other kids how different she is, that she isn't combining words and counting like the other kids. I forget that all of the other kids at her age are walking and running around, playing in the grass, etc. This post was a good reminder to me that there are other parents out there that feel the same way when they hear someone say, "Put her down in the grass and let her crawl around," not knowing that she doesn't crawl and she has a fit when she touches grass! It's awesome to know that we aren't alone so, thanks Christy for posting this one yesterday!
And the second post that I still...4 days later can't get out of my head is...
Having four visiting family members, my wife was very busy, so I offered to go to the store for her to get some needed items, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags, detergent and Clorox, so off I went.
I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies and headed for the checkout counter, only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about sixteen years old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here."
It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey buddy, what's your name?"
"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother." he responded proudly.
"Wow", I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Steve."
"Steve, like Stevarino?" he asked, "Yes" I answered. "How old are you Denny?"
"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle.
"You're fifteen years old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by."
I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement, because he was the center of some one's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.
Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him.
I told her it was my pleasure and then said something i have no idea where it came from, other than the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's Garden; however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.
She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye asked, "Who are you?"
Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but i sure love living in God's garden."
She reached out and squeezed my hand and said, "God bless you!" andthen I had tears in my eyes.
May I suggest, the next time you see a "Blue Rose", don't turn your head and walk off. Take the time to smile and say hello. Why? Because, by the grace of God, this mother or father could be you. This could your child, grand child, niece or nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family. - Posted by Kimberly Pearce Stapleton
I know that one was a little long but, well worth the extra minute it took to read! Thanks so much to Kimberly for sharing this one with the other JS parents. You wouldn't believe the responses that this post brought, tears all over the place and just some really deep emotion coming from parents of God's Blue Roses! So beautiful!
Like I said before, I haven't been able to get this last post out of my head since I read it on Thursday! I tear up every time I think about it again. I totally used to be a person that would have just walked by and here I am now the momma of the most amazing little blue rose in the world!
Enjoy the rest of your day!
Jenni
