04/08/2023
My sweet boy had a doctors appointment today and while we were in the waiting room, I wheeled him over to the tv where a little girl was also waiting.
She stared at Grayson for a long moment, trying to figure him out. Grayson doesn’t talk, and has all sorts of equipment attached to his wheelchair. He sometimes makes noises that kids might find “weird”.
I walked over to the two of them and gently said, “Hi, what’s your name?” “Maddie,” she responded shyly. I asked her how old she was. “Six,” she said.
I smiled and turned to my son. “This is Grayson. He’s 12. He can’t talk to you but I know he would love to watch this movie with you.”
Instantly, her whole energy shifted. Maddie smiled and said, “Hi Grayson”. Then she turned suddenly, ran over to the check in counter and returned a few seconds later.
She held out her hand. “Grayson, I got you a sticker. I hope you like it.” Maddie gently stuck the sticker on the blanket covering Grayson. He beamed.
When parents teach their children kindness, curiosity, and acceptance, people notice. My heart bursts when another child takes the time to see my son’s humanity and include him, in whatever way is possible.
We’ll probably never see Maddie again but I won’t soon forget her. And I hope her mom knows she’s doing a great job.
Written by Elizabeth Baker
