Friday, August 10, 2007

Little Things Can Mean So Much


I had something happen a little while ago, and I had to come right home and write it down while it is still fresh in my mind.

The company CJ works for was having it's annual summer bbq tonight. It's a pretty laid back event, no pressure, but we still prepared for the worst case scenario when it comes to taking JJ out in public. MJ and TJ look forward to these things, and there was talk of one of those huge blow up slides. And true to my expectations, JJ gave us about 5 minutes to say hello before we had to start playing defense/chasing/rescuing him. He'll happily invade a strangers personal space, take their belongings, and pick up smaller children who loudly protest. We tried to stick him on the huge slide, not realizing he wouldn't be able to figure out how to climb up the rope and ladder. That caused him to cry, which is heartbreaking because he's so darn big and these tiny kids were climbing right past him, he just couldn't mentally figure out the hand-over-hand climbing motion. :( It was stressful to say the least. I always feel like all eyes are on us. I understand people are curious, and it's hard not notice us -we are a big, loud crew- but it would be nice to just be normal sometimes, ya know? So I tell CJ that as soon as JJ and I get a bite to eat, we will go home and leave the rest of the family to have a fun evening. (This happens a lot- half of us at home- half of us out- it's hard to miss out on being together, but sometimes it's the only option. And we always take two cars just in case. ) So we struggle through a quick bite, squeeze his wiggly feet into shoes, say good bye and, with relief, head to the minivan.

I'm sweaty and a little embarrassed at the scene we always cause, and I just want to get to the car. And then it happens. JJ pulls away from my hand, swerving towards a young woman walking towards us, and totally grabs the unsuspecting girls thigh. I mean, he really held on with both hands, inappropriately. And the darling girl doesn't miss a beat. She smiles at him and says, "Well, Hello!" Nice to meet you!!" She gently moved his hands away and smiled and walked on.

That's it. Small, insignificant event? Not in my life. I couldn't stop smiling the whole drive home. A simple kindness, a gentle hand, and smile right into the eyes of my sweet boy. When so many people pretend not to see him. I feel so silly as I sit here typing this and crying. It was 15 seconds of my life, and it touched me and lifted my spirits. She was like an passing angel, there just when I needed to feel a little kindness. Thank you, stranger.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love you, AJ.

Anonymous said...

It's amazing how the tiny things in life can mean so very much to us! Thank you for sharing this with us. I have tears of joy and happiness in my eyes for you!

MusicalMom said...

That's so sweet! I'm glad she was there to help you out today.

(((HUGS)))

Darci said...

Oh my gosh that is just the coolest. Wow I need a lesson from that lady! I am so in awe of you. I wish we would have talked more at the GWO you are so beautiful and have so much to offer.

Anonymous said...

I must loan you that book I just wrote about on my blog--go to Amazon and read the summary. I thought of you many times while reading it. I'll bring it by soon.

The Mathews Family said...

Something so little can mean so much to someone else. We all could learn to be a little more like that woman. And I'm sure, AJ, that you have served someone in that way more then you ever could know. Love you!
-J