I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the checkout counter only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that appeared to be about fourteen-years-old.
I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice,
"Mommy, I'm over here."
It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said,
"Hey Buddy, what's your name?"
"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly.
"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name were Denny, but my name is Hal."
"Hal like Halloween?" he asked.
"Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?
"How old am I now Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle.
"You're fifteen-years-old Denny. Now be a good boy and let the man pass by."
I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because He was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.
Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him.
I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something. I have no idea where it came from. I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow and pink roses in God's garden, however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness.
You see, Denny is a "Blue Rose" and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.
She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked,
"Who are you?" Without thinking I said,
"Oh, I'm probably just a "daffodil or maybe even a dandelion," but I sure love living in God's garden.
She reached out, squeezed my hand and said, "God bless you!" and then I had tears in my eyes.
May I suggest, the next time you see a rare Blue Rose, don't turn your head and walk off. Take the time to smile and say "Hello." Why? Because, by the grace of God, this mother or father could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece or nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.
From an old dandelion! Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God .
"People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel!"
~ The author is Pastor Hal Steenson and this is a real life story of his which took place July 12, 2006
nick Sis,
I have a nephew who was born autistic and being close with the family, I can see the hardship and effort they put in to raise this special child. Most people upon seeing the parent of a special child would immediately see the difficulties etched onto their faces BUT being part of the family, I also can see the hope, the bond and especially the love that they have for their child. And I do see that it is "the difficult situation and hardship that really make us appreciate our lives and gives meaning to our time here on earth". Children are indeed "the flowers of our life and many do not appreciate it's fragility and briefness until it disappear and more so rare flower such as a Blue rose".
Nick.
Have a great raya Sis and may GOD bless us all.