Well, I don’t know what has gotten into me lately, but today, something just kicked into gear and I have been on fire all day, getting stuff done…
AND… something I have been sitting on for a few days needs to be discussed because the disappointment and sadness have consumed me over this and it’s time to talk…
We need to do better…
A few days ago, I stopped at Home Depot to get some firewood because I was craving a fireside night and we were low on wood …
I grabbed a cart and walked into the store, I wasn’t sure where the wood was, so I meandered through the store and picked up some fun lights for the back yard along the way…
As I pushed my cart through the store, I couldn’t find the wood, so I asked someone where it was. I was told it was right out front of the checkout stands… so I set my cart aside and headed to the doors to grab some wood so I could scan and check out…
On my way out the door, there was a father/son in the checkout closest to the door…the son decided to stand in my way, hold out his hand as if to stop me and I wasn’t sure what he was doing, so I just lifted my hand to his, as if in a high five and we clasped hands…he closed his hand over mine, so I closed my hand over his…it was very sweet…
Instantly, the father said, “SORRY”… and it took me aback for a second…
My heart instantly sank….
His son has down syndrome. I never felt threatened. His son was NOT an issue to me… But the dad apologized. I told him it’s not an issue, all good…
I went out, grabbed my wood and came back in to check out. Dad once again apologized, “SORRY”… I said there is nothing to be sorry for; more people should be like his son in the world…
I continued to check out.
I went to my car to load up and “Dad” was parked next to me. He said, “Have a good weekend” and I stopped and looked at him and said, “Do you REALLY have to apologize like that?” and he said, “Every Day”…
Please know tears are in my eyes as I write this…
This man has to apologize EVERY FUCKING DAY for his son who doesn’t have a malice bone in his body. I looked at the dad and said, “I’m really sorry, because that is not right!”
This man has no idea that I used to dress up as Mary Poppins, or the Evil Queen or Cruella, and go to the schools to entertain these kids. He has no idea that I was a photographer who has down syndrome kids as clients or friends to my girls… THIS man spends his days apologizing for his son who is nothing but pure of heart.
I’m so sad for our society that we are not educated enough to know the difference when we see kids who are a little different than our own.
I cried on the way home thinking how disconnected we are from humanity and decency that we judge others in fear rather than compassion.
There for the grace of God go I…
I have more stories of other special needs kids and people who are impatient or not of understanding… I am grateful to my girls’ elementary school that my family has been educated and very much a part of these kids lives that we can educate others. And I am proud to say that both my girls have been in situations where they understood and educated those around them to the fact that anyone not born like us are not to be dismissed… but respected and revered…
I wanted to give this dad a hug, but all I could do was apologize for those who treated him less than. His apology was so quick, this is something he lives every day… and to this, I’m asking people to stop…look…and be compassionate.
Do better… be better… Judge less, love more…
Mom of two grown ass girls and married to a short guy who is funny and cooks really well! I’m a photographer by trade, so you can say I’m a bit “peopley”. My favorite sessions are the one on ones where I just get to chat and find out about my clients. I’m blessed with what I get to do every day! Blessed by the support of my husband and kids, and blessed by the ongoing support and encouragement of my friends who are always lifting me up.