I was attending church today and noticed a new family. Yes, even when I am at church, my mind still is in a Behavior Analyst mode. So the reason that I specifically noticed this one family was because they had a larger stroller that was occupied by a pretty girl, approximately 7 years old.
The Mom was middle aged and had two other younger children with her. All three of her kids were well behaved. In fact so much more so than the mother with her disruptive young daughter sitting next me ( whom I put on active ignore due to her excessive attention seeking behaviors)
I was interested in the mother of the child in the stroller. She looked at me with some hesitation as I turned to see her daughter in the stroller. I specifically made sure that I smiled at both her and her child in the stroller. The Mom was probably relieved that I was not judgmental and smiled back at me. Sadly, the other church goers paid no attention to them or purposely looked away.
This approx 7 year old child in the stroller did not move very much. She was sleeping throughout most of the service with a few little snores here and there. I am not sure what her diagnosis is, though it was evident that this child did not walk, did not move on her own, did not smile, her eyes did not focus on people so she might have vision issues etc.
This child’s mother has taken very good care of her. She was nicely dressed, her hair was styled in a cute pony tail with a bow, her weight and coloring were good, there were blankets to layer on when needed to keep the girl warm etc.
Some might say, well this child can not do anything. Actually , I would have to disagree with that. I observed the Mom, how she happily and lovingly doted on this child in the stroller. I observed her two younger siblings willingly taking turns sitting next to her at the end of the pew.
This child is still a human being, she has lots of worth. I am sure that God was happy to see that her family brought her to church.
My hope is, that others in society and even at my church will show more kindness and value what this pretty girl in a stroller and others with disabilities have to offer.
Tags: blessings
