31 for 21 Challenge: Day 10
Today I had a special surprise encounter at our local park. It's a little bit cold here today, but I wanted to take Blyss out the the park. The first thing that Blyss wanted to do was go on the swings. We went to the swings and there was a girl there with who I thought had Down syndrome. I am still so new to this that I just pushed Blyss quietly on the swing. Inside I was excited and trying to figure out how to approach the situation. I am not sure what is okay to say or not. The father of the girl was talking to another little girl on the swings. I didn't want to be rude and interrupt. So I kind of pipped in when I could about random things. I tried not to stare at the little girl. I was pleasantly enjoying her conversation with her dad and the other little girl.
Finally after several attempts to jump in and say something, I finally just said "I think your daughter and my son have something in common " He said, "What the Wiggles?" I laughed and then went to explain our situation. I could see by his interest and acknowledgement that his daughter did indeed have down syndrome as well. She was a lovely little girl around the age of 10. The father gave me the advice that all children are different. He spoke of when his daughter learned to walk. He quoted the date, year and exact time. She walked when she was 4 years old and he was so proud. I must say that I am not sure what I expected, but her language and communication skills were great. Her father said that she was in a regular class room in a school just around our house. This was such a positive experience. I had to go play with Blyss on the slides, so I couldn't stay and chat although I would have loved to. He mentioned that Buddy Walk next month and I said I would be sure to find him. Such a blessing the way the universe arranges these little surprises and special encounters. I came home beaming from the day.!!!!
7 comments:
I think there are no coincidences. We are meant to have these wonderful encounters to encourage us and bring us peace and hope :) What a great day at the park!
It's so great to have these unexpected encounters that just make you feel like your part of a larger community... so glad your great day at the (chilly) park has brought new smiles!
What a sweet and special day. I can still remember every person I've seen with DS since Yusef has come into my life. I find myself scanning the faces in the crowd sometimes.
I can totally understand the excitement you must have felt meeting this lovely girl. I think everyone who has a child with special needs will understand it. We have a special comradeship with each other without having to spell it out.That is why blogging has brought something so fulfilling into our lives, because we totally get each other. I too seem to unconsciously scan the crowds at times to see another if I can find another child or even adult with DS.
love when that happens!
I can completely feel your excitement when seeing her. It is great to talk to others in your area who can relate. I am always looking for kids with DS when we are out. The other day, I saw a baby who I thought had DS at Cosco. I had to circle around twice to check, which was challenging since I was pushing this huge Cosco cart. I did not say anything, and I wanted to kick myself for not, but I know that next time I will not hesitate.
What a wonderful encounter! It always seems that people enter our lives, no matter how random or brief, just when we need them to.
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