Today I headed to the grocery store. Fayeth was in the cart, Lindsay and Hannah were holding hands with Gabe and were on either side of him to prevent him from bumping into anyone. His helmet bars stick out and sometimes he bumps into things. And those bars hurt not only the person he bumps into, but also himself. We had a few people look and stare, but nothing horrible. The shift manager came up to Gabe and said, "Hey man! That is a really awesome helmet you have there! Great Colors!" and gave Gabe a Hi-5. Then he told the girls, "I think it is really great how you are looking after your brother. You are a great family that takes care of each other!" I thanked him and kept moving. (On a side note-Gabe is not feeling well today. Headpain is high, he is getting a cold, and a storm front is moving in so I knew I had limited time. I also had forgotten pain meds) We continue about our business when a family of 5 (2 parents, 3 kids probably 16-13-10 in age) start staring at Gabe. I ignored it. Then I notice that they are pointing, I again ignore it. I think look up and they are pointing. I decided that the best course of action was to change aisles. Thinking that Gabe was not paying attention to them, I figured that it was best not to make any comment to the people.
In the next aisle, there they are again. Talking, pointing staring and trying to decide between them what was the best answer for why Gabe would be like he is. I was getting ready to change aisles again and while we were walking into the new aisle Gabe says, "They were talking, pointing and staring at me! That makes me feel bad." I simply said to him, "I know it does buddy, but sometimes people are just rude and ignorant and cannot help themselves. They are still in the other aisle and we are almost done. We will hurry!" That said and these people followed us into the next aisle. They were very loud and basically saying, "I cannot believe she would bring her child out to the store looking like that. He could scare other children!" Gabe heard this and when I turned around he was in tears. I got down to his level and looked him in the eyes and told him, "Gabe, I love you. You are the strongest and most brave little boy that I have every known. God chose this path for us for a reason. He has also scattered it with stupid people. Normally Buddy we should educate people, but this time it is not possible. I cannot help the fact that these people are stupid and moron and compassionless. You cannot teach compassion. However you can teach tact. I am sorry that you are going through this right now but the only excuse I can give you are that they are asses. They are too stupid to take a few minutes to be brave enough to ask us why you are wearing you helmet, and we would take our time to answer their questions. But they allowed ignorance to lead their behavior. It is RUDE to point and stare." I had a few things left on my list but by then decided that it was time to go.
In check out the kids were helping me load the conveyor and I took a few moments to praise their exceptional behavior at the store. The lady in front of me praised me for taking the time to praise my children. She said that parents never take the time to tell their kids how good they are being, but how bad they are being. I thanked her. As I was finishing up loading my cart, the shift manager that had given Gabe a hi-5 earlier, came up to me and handed me a bag of "snacks" and told me that he wanted to thank the kids for being so wonderful to their brother and helping him out and taking such good care of him. He told us that they were so well behaved and that it just touched him deeply to see their love of each other. I thanked him again, and told him that it was nice to hear the good things.
So, I am asking everyone who reads here to pay it forward. Do something or say something kind to someone today. The kind words DO make a difference!
1 comment:
Hugs!!! I always say, what comes around goes around.
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