Tag Archives: kindness

Another Successful Party

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I must confess, I absolutely go crazy over birthdays. My kids birthday’s are probably more exciting to me than to them. I love getting to celebrate the day they came into my life and changed my world!

So yesterday was no different when we came together to celebrate Grant turning 9! First of all, I do not even know how nine years has flown by since Grant came into our lives and rocked our world. But it has. My littlest boy is getting ready to enter his last year in single digits.

When I was talking to him about where to have his party I knew what his choice would be. He chose a roller skating party. He did this for his party last year too and he just loves it. We rent out the rink so it’s just his party there. He gets to get out in his chair and roll around and feel like he’s just like everyone else. It’s the absolute best!

This year I had a week from the time I had to schedule his party to party day. I was really worried that his friends wouldn’t be able to make it and was really concerned when I had no RSVP’s except for those that I was able to invite on Facebook but I figured it didn’t matter we would have fun anyway.

Of course I was worried for nothing!! Some of his absolute best friends showed up and he had a blast just like I knew he would. He was all smiles as friends skated by him smiling and laughing right along with him. He had kids surround him as he sat waiting to eat cake. His smile radiated as we all sang Happy Birthday and the smile on his face when he opened presents was priceless.

One of my biggest fears when I found out he would have CP and especially as the realization set in that he wouldn’t talk was would he have friends. I never have to worry about that because look at this group that showed up to celebrate him!!

He opened presents of Fortnite characters, Hot Wheels cars, and a super big pack of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups which are his favorite. His friends know him so well, a couple of them got him cars with buttons on top that he can push himself! They were all so incredibly thoughtful and so excited to watch him open their gift! He also got several gift cards and he’s so excited to go buy Xbox games that he can play with his adapted controller.

I do have to share this super special card from his best friend. I knew these two were close and I even told my mom that I really think they are best friends. This sweet card from his best friend, Jenna, confirmed that!

I always like to take time at each kiddos party to take a look around and soak it in. Last night, as I did that, my heart was so full of pride and love!!

Moral of the story: Never underestimate children and their ability to see past the disability and accept exceptional children for who they are…even to the point of being best friends!

Have a blessed day!

Tears in Walmart

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Every once in awhile something happens in your life…a moment, an interaction…that makes you smile (an maybe bring tears to your eyes as you are walking through Walmart).

I was going to get on here and post a blog about how unfair life can be for a special needs child. I was all ready to talk about how Matthew is at the lake for a few days with my parents but Grant didn’t get to go. I was going to whine a little about how Grant deals with enough…but then something happened.

As we were walking through Walmart, Ryan was pushing Grant in his chair and I was following pushing Grace in the cart. Going down a main aisle Ryan cut across and I waited for a younger guy to pass first then I followed. We were standing at the phone chargers and this same young guy came up to us. Thinking we were in his way, Ryan and I both kind of parted the way. That’s when he bent down to Grant.

This is where the watery eyes started.

He bent down to Grant and talked to him. He didn’t talk to Ryan and he didn’t talk to me…he talked TO Grant. And he waited for Grant to answer him. He asked if Grant liked toys to which he got a huge smile and little nod yes. Then he asked what kind of toys. Do you like cool cars he asked Grant. Again big smile and nod as Grant looked at me like how did he know. He then looked up and asked me “Does he have Cerebral Palsy?” It always throws me when people ask that. I told him yes he does and he told us his twin brother has Cerebral Palsy. He said they are 23 years old. Then again he started talking to Grant. He handed him a $20 bill and told him to go buy him a cool car. Then he waited there for Grant to grab the money.

I’m not sure how I choked back the lump in my throat to thank him for being so kind. As he walked away and I bent down to Grant I had to wipe a tear away.

It’s those moments that make you take a step back and see the world…in that moment…as nothing but good. His kindness towards Grant and the way he spoke to Grant like a person was beyond words. There was a connection between the two of them. They understood each other and that was so amazing to witness!

Oh yes and Grant picked out an awesome car!! He was so excited to walk through the toys and search for something he wanted. His car lights up and makes noise and he can do it all by himself.

Moral of the story: Never take for granted the fact that there are still amazing people in the world. And when you get wrapped up in a moment that takes your breath away…soak it in!

Have a blessed day!