I feel bad.
I feel bad that I hadn't understood before now.
I was waiting at the doctor the other day with my boys.
There were a few other people in the waiting room that morning.
My Christopher is a good good boy.
If you know him, you know that he tries so hard to be good.
Even to a fault.
He was getting anxious and excited about seeing the doctor.
He was wondering what kind of toys she would have this time.
He was wondering if she would give him a treat, or a sticker.
He was excited to talk to her and tell her about Scooby Doo or some other silly thing he was fixated on at the moment.
His arms began flapping a little and he got squirmy.
It's just something he can't help.
His little body is just trying to deal with all that stimulus.
A man and his wife were sitting near us.
He leaned over to his wife and said "I have a great idea how to make money. For 100 bucks we will spank parent's children for them when they can't behave in public places."
My mouth dropped.
I was shocked.
I felt my body standing involuntarily - ready to defend my little one.
Just then, the nurse called us back.
A saving moment for that gentleman.
I never understood before.
I never understood what it was like for parent's with a special needs child.
While I always felt sympathetic towards them, I never truly understood the pain they feel in a "normal" driven world.
While, with my Christopher, I only get a taste of what those parent's feel - I now feel I have a better understanding.
I am having more and more of these experiences every day.
I guess I have to look over these little incidents and chalk it up to ignorance.
I now offer my forgiveness to any parents who I may have misjudged.
I didn't understand.
I feel bad that I hadn't understood before now.
I was waiting at the doctor the other day with my boys.
There were a few other people in the waiting room that morning.
My Christopher is a good good boy.
If you know him, you know that he tries so hard to be good.
Even to a fault.
He was getting anxious and excited about seeing the doctor.
He was wondering what kind of toys she would have this time.
He was wondering if she would give him a treat, or a sticker.
He was excited to talk to her and tell her about Scooby Doo or some other silly thing he was fixated on at the moment.
His arms began flapping a little and he got squirmy.
It's just something he can't help.
His little body is just trying to deal with all that stimulus.
A man and his wife were sitting near us.
He leaned over to his wife and said "I have a great idea how to make money. For 100 bucks we will spank parent's children for them when they can't behave in public places."
My mouth dropped.
I was shocked.
I felt my body standing involuntarily - ready to defend my little one.
Just then, the nurse called us back.
A saving moment for that gentleman.
I never understood before.
I never understood what it was like for parent's with a special needs child.
While I always felt sympathetic towards them, I never truly understood the pain they feel in a "normal" driven world.
While, with my Christopher, I only get a taste of what those parent's feel - I now feel I have a better understanding.
I am having more and more of these experiences every day.
I guess I have to look over these little incidents and chalk it up to ignorance.
I now offer my forgiveness to any parents who I may have misjudged.
I didn't understand.
11 comments:
People are ignorant. We need to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. No one is perfect and to pass judgement on those who we don't understand is wrong. We are not judges. I understand your pain. Just the other day I heard one of the girls in our carpool making fun of my beautiful girl, who also tries so so hard. The pain I felt was immense and I wanted to scream at her. She doesn't understand. And she is not the first or the last. I am very sorry you have to feel that pain. He is a good good boy :) I look at those kids/adults who don't understand and if that is what is considered "normal" than I am SOOOO glad my child is not. Hang in there. Stay tough. I know you can do this!
Oh, Kristin. That is heartbreaking. I am so sorry. It is sad how ignorant we are to so many things around us. I think that President Monson's talk from the RS session really helped to change my perspective. Now it is just a reminder. Love to you & the fam.
Good thing I wasn't there. He might have heard a few words from this grandma and then I would have felt bad for jugding them. Maybe they were raised in a home where children are meant Sad for them them huh?
Woops messed up my comment. I meant to say that maybe they were raised in a home where children are to be seen and not heard.
Oh my! Well I will first begin to say that you are awesome for not saying anything, however if I was there I would have gone off on that man. Try not to take it personal and just know that people like him obviously need some talking to. What a jerk!!
If I'd been there, you can guarantee there would have been words exchanged. Christopher is such a great little boy with an amazing mom and a bunch of people who love him, so he (and you) are not alone. I'm sending tons of love across the internet and hugging you both!
I'm sorry that happened to you. It's one thing to think those things (not that it's a good thing to think) but to say it aloud is another thing-soooo rude! I know what you mean about the judging thing, and wanting to apologize to anyone I ever judged. You never know what life is like for others until you've walked in their shoes. Even though I'm not sure exactly how walking in your shoes is, I am beginning to walk in the shoes of a parent, and it's not easy. But you are doing a good job because you have great kids!
Wow you and your friends are a lot nicer than I am. I would've punched him in the nose.
I have been thinking about this post since I read it a few days ago. Your writing is so heartfelt and your pictures are amazing! I'm sorry other people unload their garbage on you...but that's all it is, they just don't understand. I wish you and your beautiful family the best.
Katie told me today about this and I had to come read your account of it. I am so sorry. I have been there too. I've felt the eyes on my back as I hold my son tight in my arms and try to calm him. I've looked for the reassuring smile on someone's face in those times and have found none. It stinks. Autism is so hard. Stay strong, friend! You can do this. :)
You have GOT to be kidding? And to say it loudly enough to hear? How rude!
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