Saturday, June 13, 2009

a brief stop

After about an hour in the car, I asked Joe if we could pull of and get a cup of tea from a cafe. I saw, in the set of Joe's jaw, that he really didn't want to stop. I understood, I wanted to get home too, but I wanted to stop just for a minute. We pulled off the interstate and found a small cafe. Joe grabbed my sippy cup to go get it filled and I asked if he'd mind me getting out of the car. A tight nod of the head said, 'Sure, alright, let's just move in here' but his voice said, 'Of course.'

We went in and there was a small line up. Over in the corner by the front window was a smallish little birthday party happening. Everyone was in bright colours and a birthday cake was delivered to the table while we waited in line. The table was surrounded by little girls, all about three or four. They were dressed up and it seemed like 'tea party' was the theme of the event. I gave my order when I got to the counter and then paid and pulled over the side to wait.

As I waited the birthday girl arrived. There was a huge cheer and little hands covered a little mouth open in real shock. My eyes widened as I saw a beautiful little girl with Down Syndrome dash to a party with friends. I nudged Joe but he was already watching. He, too, with tears in his eyes. My attention was called back to pick up my tea and I noticed that everyone in the store was grinning at the delight of a little girl.

I asked Joe to hold my tea as I rolled over to the table. 'There's something I'd like to see' I whispered to him. We sat, and watched along with everyone else, as the candles were lit. She screwed up her face and made a big wish, and then blew out the candles - with a little help of several friends who couldn't resist.

I don't need to know what she wished for, she may not know it yet but it's already been granted.

Happy birthday little girl, many more parties, many more friends, many more wishes, granted.

5 comments:

Kate said...

Aww that is very sweet and made my night.

Kristy said...

awww Dave, that was beautifully expressed. Thank you for sharing it with us all!

Kristy Colvin
IMDSA President
www.imdsa.org
www.mosaicmoments.today.com

Andrea S. said...

A sweet tale -- and I know some of what made that moment special for you and Joe is remembering the days when little girls like her would have been locked up in an institution somewhere, unable to enjoy these kinds of freedoms and small pleasures.

The next time Joe becomes stiff about the idea of breaking up a trip you can remind him that sometimes unexpected rewards can result :-)

(I like just getting to where I'm going too. But sometimes you do have to have a break to stretch. And I've read that drivers, for safety's sake, should take a 10 minute break for every 2 hours on the road to keep themselves mentally "fresh" and reduce the risk of accidents.)

CJ said...

Exactly.

We all know where she would be if it wasn't 2009.

Now, she is where she belongs, in the community, with her family and friends, celebrated for who she is.

Angie Seaman said...

Love this! I found your blog yesterday via a photographers blog that I frequent a lot. I must say that I'm so glad I stumbled upon it. This post brought tears to my eyes as I read it. I have a 5 year old daughter with special needs. She'll turn 6 years old this Thursday. She was born with hypotonia and Epilepsy. Although we've never been able to find a distinct diagnosis for her hypotonia, her delays have caused her to have similar symptoms of children with downs, autism, CP, etc. She has some speech issues due to the delays and functions more like a 2-3 year old than an almost 6 year old.

All this said, I am so glad to have stumbled across a blog that relishes in special needs children as well as your own circumstance. You are an inspiration to mothers across this world whose only desire is for their special child to be recognized and affirmed in life. I admire you for your words, your strength throughout your own ordeal, and for the educating and awareness you bring to this world via your own blog. Keep up the great work!

Should you wish to meet my sweet Kenidi Grace (pronounced Kennedy), feel free to stop by my blog and take a peek. My updates are flooded with her beautiful face.
www.angelicagracedesigns.com/blog/

It's great to meet you. I'll definitely be visiting often.

Blessings, Angie Seaman
www.angelicagracedesigns.com/blog/
www.angieseamanphotography.blogspot.com
www.agdprayerblog.blogspot.com