-I have a BIG van. It’s a 13 seater, a big green monster I call Godzilla. We had an Expedition that I loved before this one, and yes, it was too small. Too small you say? Yes, too small. We piled everyone in and drove to Florida one year…wasn’t pretty. suitcases falling on the boys in the third row, stuff shoved under the seats. Roy told me I had three options-the van, an Excursion or a Suburban. At the time we had an Aztec, and since they were going to discontinue the Excursion, I didn’t want two defunct cars. Everyone in my neighborhood had a Surburban, and a mini van was a non-starter. Wasn’t even gonna consider it-so that left the Van. I like it, and when all the seats are out, or even just the third and fourth row I am AMAZED at what I can get in it. BUT, it’s a big car. A long car, so when you are waiting for my parking spot at the store, you need to give me some room! I’m not driving a Prius here people. BACK UP, and I will gladly put my things away quickly so that you can have my spot.
-There is a gentleman that lives in our town. I used to work with a lady that worked at a non-residential home for disabled adults. She told me his name, and said that while he was ‘high functioning’ (I hope that is the right term) he was not able to hold a traditional job, and his mom was still working full time to pay for his insurance and care. I would guess his age to be around my age, maybe a bit older. Roy and I call him Smiles. He is so friendly, always smiling and laughing. He waves to you as you drive by, and if he sees you in McDonald’s he always has a kind word for you. The other day, Joe had a doctor’s appointment. As we were driving home, we saw Smiles on the corner waiting to cross the street.
“Mom?” Joe asked.
We were stopped at the light, so I turned to look at him.
“Do you know what is wrong with that gentleman?”
I told him what my friend had told me, and Joe nodded in understanding.
When we drove by, he waved at Roger (that is his given name) and gave him a big smile. It warmed my heart. Joe didn’t express pity for him, he didn’t remark on how sorry he is for this gentleman. Instead, he just waved and smiled at him, like he would anyone else. It made me proud to see that Joe could look beyond a disability and just see someone that enjoys seeing a friendly face.
-Had to run to the grocery store today. Hayden is home today, and Dean usually comes with me. We got one of those huge carts with a bench attached to the front, and I told both boys to sit down. No running around. We went in, and the boys asked nicely if we could go look at Skylanders. We went back to the video game section and that should have been my first clue. Dean chimed in, but he didnt’ jump off the bench to look around. When he noticed a new Skylander, he just asked me quietly if I would buy it for him. I handed it to him and gave him a kiss. His chubby, little cheek was warm. A few minutes later, he started coughing, but it sounded like he was doing his ‘fake cough.’ Lately he coughs loudly and calls me, looking for attention. I thought he was ok, so I tried to just hurry along. And then it happened.
Dean clamps his little hand over his mouth.
“Mommy?” his voice is muffled, but I knew that look. Hand over the mouth, cheeks puffing out, eyes wide. Shoot! I almost did what I always do, I cupped my hands under his mouth, as if catching a bunch of puke is going to make things so much easier. My mind started working. Which was closer-the restrooms up front or back? Should I try to run with the cart, or tell Hayden to stay right here? And then…
“EEWWW! Gross, Mommy!” I don’t think I’ve ever seen Hayden move that fast. “Mommy, Dean puked on the cracker box!”
“Mommy, I barfed.” Yes, Dean thank you. I was having a hard time placing that sour sickly smell.
So, here I am…Dean with puke all over him, puke on my hand, Hayden pretending he was going to hurl, and this lady comes over.
“Hi. Is he ok? Do you need any help?”
When Dean got sick, four others looked on in horror and ran the other way, but this lady just walked right up to us and asked if we were ok, and if there was anything she could do.
I didn’t get her name, and I know chances are she won’t see this, but I want to thank her anyways. We figured things out, but just knowing someone was willing to ‘get her hands dirty to help.’ Well, that was just a really cool thing to do.
