Really Beautiful People

Last Thursday I had a great experiences out with Anna.  It gave me a great deal of pride and honor to be her mother.  I stepped out to get some clearance costumes for her sister, Gabrielle.  She knows I keep a tote of costumes but this Warrior mom did not feel like pulling it out of the closet.  While riding around with Anna I had an idea.  Let’s hit STEP Resale.  It’s one of my favorites because they cater to adults with developmental disabilities.  They have staff with those differences that run the store.  

Anna and I stopped in.  We were greeted right away by another patron.  She said, “I like your daughter.”  I said, “Me too.”  She laughed.  Then she asked her name and kept talking to her.  She began talking to her and smiling.  The whole time we shopped the Halloween rack I noticed a man walking around on his phone.  He was talking and I barely made eye contact with him.  He ended his conversation and came up to me.  He reached in his wallet and said, “Here, I’m gonna give you a few bucks to go buy her something, you know McDonalds, or whatever she likes.”  He gave me a handful of crisp one dollar bills.  I said thank you and I smiled.  

My heart palpitated.  Just then I found the cutest LouLaRue Leggins.  Well, that’s what Anna wanted!  Fun festive with scary looking scarecrows and soft as silk.    

I’ve come so far with these encounters.  Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always appreciated them.  But today at this moment in time, I’ve worked so hard and time has helped me in this Warrior journey.  I just accept.  I didn’t feel the need to stop the man, explain she doesn’t eat by mouth, and that she can’t have McDonalds, I just smiled.  I enjoyed the love, she is loved by someone who just sees her and cares.  It’s a great feeling.  A feeling that doesn’t come quick.  We work as Warriors to get to this place.  He would have given her the money no matter what I got for her.  I’m glad I don’t feel and urge have to explain every detail about her. The leggings will last much longer than McDonalds anyway!  Now mom might need a Big Mac . . . 

So then I hit Aldi after our doctor appointment.  I was in the frozen foods and I had Anna and her wheelchair.  Two ladies scooted out of the way and said I likely needed more room.  “Nope, I replied I could win an Olympic Medal the way I can manuever this chair and this cart.”  They both said, I  bet you can.  

Later one of those women approached me.  She said, “Can I tell you something?”  I said of course.  “I admire you.”  Thank you, I replied.  She went on to say she had done caretaking for her mother.  One of her kids had a scare as a child and she just thinks about all the things people do in life with caretaking.  She wanted to tell me how great we looked and how impressed she was.  I was happy to talk to her for about 15 minutes getting to know her a bit and showing off Anna.  She lovingly told me I didn’t look my age after I bragged about my granddaughter.  I just told her that exercise and limits on the stress you allow help with the aging process.  

But the very best person I can report on this week is now in the arms of Jesus.   Anna’s special “boyfriend” as we have always called him, David C. Brown.  He had a heart of gold, a strong work ethic and sympathy that was genuine.  He also had a grandson who died at the age of 5 with disabilities whom he adored.  Therefore Anna meant a great deal to him.  He asked to see her on his deathbed.  He called Paul and David and Anna facetimed.  Paul told me all he wanted to do was see and talk to Anna.  And they did that.  They had their moment.  What a very special moment indeed.  Life is full to the brim with beautiful people.   

Anna will be missing school to attend her boyfriend’s funeral and wearing her best and favorite dress of course.  I’m lucky the world is full of these beautiful people.   

Thank you for reading our Blog. Happy Halloween