November 21, 2004
A Sunday Gem
Yesterday, while my wife and I were standing at the checkout aisle of a local supermarket, a father and young daughter came and stood behind us in line. The girl must have been about 8 or so. She was beautiful but, we noticed, there was something just not typical of an 8 year old girl about her. She was demure and very quiet. She would stare at things for a few moments and become somewhat introverted. Her father would speak slowly to her and urge her out of her spell.
She was autistic.
The dad was very patient with her. He eased her out of her introvertedness kindly and delicately. It was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. It was hard to see this relationship between this father and daughter and not get choked up.
As the last of our items were being scanned, the girl looked up at my wife, pointed at her and blurted out "Ack!"
My wife smiled at her and said "Hi."
"Ack!" She said again pointing at my wife. "Ack!"
"Come on now, honey." the father said. "Use your words now. Remember your words."
"Ack!"
"Use your words dear. Remember your words."
"Ick!"
At this point my wife turns to me and I know she's about to lose it. I could tell she was mustering the strength to not break down and cry right then and there.
"Ick!" She yelled again.
"Come on honey, dont yell. Remember your words." The father kept calm, he smiled at her, spoke to her gently.
"Ick!" she said once again as she raised both arms in front of her in my wife's direction.
My wife turned and faced her, bent down close to her and smiled. The little girl mumbled "Ick" then hugged my wife and kissed her on the cheek.
We all stood there for a moment, stunned. The girl turned and began staring at the tabloids again.
The father nodded and thanked my wife with his eyes. We picked up our bags and my wife said "Goodbye, now" to the little girl but the child did not respond. She was back inside her own world.
I dont know much about autism, but I do know that most autistic children dont like to be touched and they dont respond well to strangers. Yet here was this beautiful autistic girl who just wanted to hug and kiss my wife.
The little girl may never remember that moment where she wanted nothing more than the touch of a stranger while standing in line at a supermarket with her dad, but my wife and I will never forget it. We will never forget her.
Life gives you little gems, and all you need to do is to learn to appreciate them.
Posted by Val Prieto at November 21, 2004 08:51 AM
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Comments
Val,
As the father of an autistic child, I thank you.
I don't know what it must be like to be autistic, but having an autistic child can be hard as hell. I worry about what kind of life my daughter will have, especally after I have passed. I try to remember that her life, like any, will have both good and bad time, and that we should treasure the good ones.
Kindness and understanding from a stanger can mean a great deal. You are a good man, and your wife, in that moment, was an angel.
drc
Posted by: anonymous at November 21, 2004 09:52 AM
anonymous,
Thank you for your kinds words. The Mrs. says that it was she that was touched by an angel.
Posted by: Val Prieto at November 21, 2004 10:27 AM
It's a good thing I'm not at your house for a meal. I couldn't swallow. Life is good.
Posted by: Sam at November 21, 2004 02:43 PM
We often don't know when we've been visited by angels. Since it is so rare, it is also rare to recognize one - and your wife did.
Posted by: suzeisnotfooledbyislaam at November 21, 2004 06:36 PM
What a beautiful story.
Posted by: A.M. Mora y Leon at November 21, 2004 08:08 PM
Sorry to hear you're not feeling well - what is wrong? Just read Hog On Ice - recap of today and that you were ill. Hope you are feeling 110% immediately!!!
Posted by: suzeisnotfooledbyislaam at November 21, 2004 09:54 PM
This is special. I see through your words as you described the scene, you too are a tender hearted man. Your wife is an angel too. It's like a little fairy God Mother looking over a little fairy princess.
I got a hug from a man at my church that is getting married for the first time in his life. He was in a single's prayer group and had been sad and lonely so he prayed for a puppy. God sent him a wife.
A hug is over looked. I am alone and not well. that hug lasted for about 7 days.
Thank you both for sharing, it brought a precious memory to this ole' lady. Yep, I am fif...fif t...fifty somethin'!
Blessings A Bounty Full
Posted by: Janelle at November 22, 2004 12:54 PM
The Mrs. is an angel and I know that. This little girl knew that too the minute she saw her and she did not need words to express that, as actions speak louder than words. Life does give you little gems and you my friend, have the Gem of all Gems. I wish "others" knew how to appreciate a gem when it comes into their lives. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Damarys at November 22, 2004 05:13 PM
Oh, gosh. That's beautiful. *Sniiiiiffff*
Shit.
Crying again.
Talk amongst yourselves. I'll pick a topic.
Posted by: Rex at November 22, 2004 06:41 PM
