I saw you with your frizzy red pigtails, freckled face and your soaking wet yellow dress. I saw you watching my daughter. I saw you sitting near her, not too close, but close enough to watch her expression as she concentrated on watching the buckets fill with water and then pour down. Most kids would be standing under that water. Mine likes to watch from a distance. I saw you smile at her. And then I saw you look up at me.
You walked to me, shivering in the air, soaking wet. And you smiled this beautiful, crooked smile with your front teeth missing. I smiled back. And you sat next to me and watched my daughter again. Here is where I brace myself as a mom.
My daughter has Down Syndrome. She’s non verbal and has some autistic tendencies. She doesn’t know how to relate to other kids, sometimes doesn’t mind just watching others. Some kids watch it and ignore it. Some kids ask questions.
What is wrong with her?
Why doesn’t she talk?
Why is she mean? (If she pushes somebody too close to her out of the way)
Why is she yelling?
As her family we are used to it. The kids she has gone to school with for the past few years know her quirks. But “strange” children are rarely accepting of a child with special needs. Especially when she’s nine and doesn’t speak.
So I braced myself when you looked up to me. Because even though you look so sweet I get tired of explaining my daughter’s quirks. It hurts every time I have to explain that my child has special needs. “Is that your daughter?” you asked. I said yes. “What is her name?” And with that reply you got off the bench and went back to sit by her.
“Hi!” you said brightly, plopping yourself on the cement right next to her. She looked at you, but instead of shrieking, she smiled back. You wrapped your arm around her and laughed as the water bucket poured down. She looked at your arm and I stood up, expecting her to shriek now and push you away. See, she generally doesn’t like being touched.
But my daughter, like me sensed your beauty. Instead of yelling “nooooo!” she did something amazing. She leaned in and hugged you back. And laughed as well. And I sat down again. You were too far away for me to hear your conversation. But I saw you talking to my girl. And not caring if she didn’t reply back. I saw you both laugh. I saw her touch your red hair and smile.
When your mom called you, you walked over to me wrapped up in a beautiful handmade quilt. I smiled again, as I was still speechless. Instead of me thanking you, you thanked me as your teeth chattered. “Your daughter was so much fun to play with! Have a great day!” you chimed as you started to run to your mom.
I’m sorry I couldn’t say thank you at that moment. But, you see, I rarely see friends with my daughter. You gave us the most beautiful gift that day. You gave us a day where she was a typical child. Making friends and laughing. For that I will always be grateful. And I hope I see your frizzy red pigtails again. This time I will make sure to thank you.
This brought tears to my eyes. ❤️
Hugs!
As the grandmother of a 10-year-old with autism, I can so relate. How I would love for another child to willingly and happily choose to play with him. He does well, but my heart breaks when I see him lonely and confused. Bless you for sharing.
Kaye, which state do you live? My son is autistic, but has a typical sister with typical but quirky friends that would ALL love to play with him
You make me cry , cause my soon is the same xxxxxx and I know how you feel xxxx
Me, too. ❤
Mine too. I hope that little girl stays that sweet for the rest of her life.
I teared up too. There is good in the children of this world, so there is still hope for better things.
There is lots of beauty-we just need to look for it!
👭 Hope I can raise my little girl to be like your daughters friend! Such kindness is beautiful. 💖
I’ll take another little girl like that as a friend! And there are lots of other kids that would love it too:)
What a beautiful post. My son has Asperger’s, and there were points to your message I could relate to. Have faith in the kindness of others…they’re out there.
Until then, continue to be the warrior mama you are! 🙂
You too! Our littles are with us for a reason. As hard as it is some days it’s what makes us stronger:) Hugs!
My son also has Asperger’s and this brought tears to my eyes
Me too… It was the best concert I have ever been to. Amanda, look for the small victories, remember the best things, always root for the under dog, and most importantly..never regret that you were chosen to be his mother. If you ever want to talk or vent, please email me at ccanderson197@gmail.com. It takes a village sometimes, even if it’s from strangers. ❤
Hi Michelle,
I work for Love What Matters and I think your blog post would be perfect for the audience on our Facebook page (Facebook.com/lovewhatreallymatters). May I have permission to publish it on the Love What Matters Facebook page?
I can link to your blog or Facebook page (or however you’d like) for credit. Please let me know if interested. Thanks!
Best, Catherine
Absolutely you may- I’d be honored:)
LOVED. LOVED LOVED THIS! 💛❤️💛 I have a nephew that was also nonverbal and autistic. He loved swimming in my dad’s pool. He had the same quirks as ur daughter. It was so awesome to hear of the little girl being so sweet to ur daughter! My nephew didn’t have a lot to do with others either. Mostly his family. He loved school! But he even had a teacher at school that was ugly to him. Sadly my nephew gained his angel wings last year on June 17, 2016, he was 13. As my sister, my niece, my brother in law, I and all my family and his family has learned is “Love Needs No Words”!! He was beautiful inside and out! Thank u for ur beautiful story!❤️💛
My girl says “luh you” at bed when I tuck her in and I saw one day her friends must have taught her to create a heart with her hands. Hugs to your family and there’s a sweet angel up there feeling never ending love.
Loved this. Thank you for sharing. You have a special way of helping us to see, hear & feel what’s going on & in everyone’s heart. So happy hearing this❤️❤️❤️
Thank you:) it’s what I love the most!
How awesome, brought tears to my eyes! God bless red frizzy braid girl and your daughter and yourself!
This is so heart touching my son has a lot of special needs as well and this really hit home. To the little red haired girl and her family thank for raising a amazing sweet girl.
What a blessing. Isn’t it sad that stories of great kindness like this bring a tear to the eye because they are so rare and precious. I hope you have many more positive experiences like this. Some of us try to raise sensitive compassionate children in a world that sends a very different message!
But those rare experiences are worth 20 of the bad. Hugs and thank you! I hope we have more good ones too
These children are rare to find but when we do, it is like finding a high nugget of gold. I always want to ask, “Where do you live? How did you get to be the way you are? Who raised you? Where do you go to school? Do you know someone with a disability? Who taught you this? How old are you? Will you be friends with my kid on a regular basis? Can I clone you?” Etc…
If you don’t have a kid with a disability you will Never realize the difference these children can make in the world. By teaching your children to be kind and accepting, you may have just given hope to a family that is hanging by a string. Your child can be a World Changer! Nothing could be more important in the life of a child with a disability. You see, when they are accepted as they are, they will bloom just like a flower. They will become all that they are supposed to be and they can change the world also. 😍😍😍
It’s pretty amazing isn’t it? Just kindness makes such a difference
God bless all involved in this article. I am the grandma of a special needs child and I too know the importance of acceptance.
Bless your grandchild:)
Both of these mothers have done something right they are raising to amazing girls. This is such a sweet story. I got goose bumps.
Everyone has the power to be loving and accepting:)
That’s a beautiful letter. I’m sorry more children aren’t as accepting of your daughter. This little red haired girl must have known what a special person your daughter is. It must have made you fill with joy to see your daughter laugh and hug. I know, you know, kids mean no harm when they asked questions, I hope you continue to give them a short answer ,about how lovely she is. Tell them she has a different way of playing and that she doesn’t like to talk. Then just let them go, hopefully they will learn how to b with her like the little redheaded pigtailed girl. God gave her to you because special kids need special parents, I know there must b challenges for you, but know people like m admire you .
Thank you:) and I do answer. My short answer is usually that people with Down Syndrome learn differently than most people as they’re made a little differently. The kids that ask usually have the extra kindness in them:)
That was beautiful💜 What an amazing little girl!
💕
What a beautiful experience for both you and your child, even the most simple acts of kindness can reach those in need in ways the given can ever know.
My feels!!! What a wonderful story. I’m happy for your daughters experience with this red hair girl. I pray you see her again. Kudos to the parents of the red hair girl, they’re defiantly doing it right. They should be very proud. ❤
I hope we do too! I gravitate towards red haired little girls now;)
This truly made me cry happy tears!! What a God hug for you from the little red head!
My God hug has been all these comments!❤️
that is just beautiful,xx
❤️
My sweet autistic and mentally retarded daughter, who was taken from us by Hodgkin’s lymphoma in August 2010 when she was just 20, was like your girl. We spent a lot of time “explaining” her to others. When another child sees past the issues and lets your child see them as friendly, it is miraculous. Good on you for loving your child without reservation and good on that little red-headed girl.
Bless you for sharing and making my day. What I have noticed is sometimes I’m so wrapped up in the now that my life requires I miss these moments and connections with others. I’m so grateful of all the stories and love that I’ve heard in the past week💕 I’m sending you hugs and I hope this made you think good thoughts of your daughter and eases the pain .
I am an adult with hydrocephalus water in the brain just because u can’t see a disability doesn’t mean we don’t have one we all want to be treated as equals I wish people treated me that way when I was growing up that girl must see all people as equals wish people were more like that little girl we all wanted to be treated the same
I think that often. In a way, we are luckier than most as her disability is visible. I wish more people saw differences as beautiful 💕
Wow!! The mother of one of my former students posted the link to this blog and I thought she was the one who wrote it!!! She has 3 children, the oldest being Down syndrome with autistic tendencies and is 10 years old! And we have a splash pad in our small town! I’m really wondering if she writes blogs under an alias now!!! And yes, I cried while reading it envisioning sweet little RJB sitting at the park!!! Thank you for sharing your story!
Bless RJB and her mama:) And, no, my little gal is my middle ☺️
Beautiful story. I too have a child with disabilities he is verbal and sometimes has no filter so i understand what you say. You spend your days defending and trying to explain. My experience has always been that strangers are more understanding then even family. We have family members we are no longer invited to cause they cant understand him and say its no fun when we are around.. i hope thia child gets to read this and know how special she is
Oh hugs, Jane. Sometimes you have to make your own family in life. I’m sorry you were hurt by family, but glad your child has you❤️
How horrible 😦 Has family not asked how they can help make the environment more supportive for your child? What can they do to make it more smooth for him?
That angered me a great deal. I’m sorry to read that.
Oh, what a touching, heart-warming story! raeding thius was the best part of my week. 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to share. There are beautiful people with beautiful hearts in this world. You are most definitely one of them! Hugs to you and your precious daughter. I have a feeling you will meet that little red-headed girl again one day. xoxo
Thank you:) if not her, I’m sure we will meet someone else just as amazing!
Absolutely amazing how much love there really is in this world. Your story is both touching and inspiring. Thank you!
Beautiful.♡
This touched my heart. My son has multiple learning disabilities plus speech impediments. So he will most likely always be behind his fellow students.
But being at parks are hard. I’ve seen it and Ive heard it. Kids will ask him why he talks funny or can’t say that word. Younger kids are more accepting but the parents kinda give that cringe look.
Thankfully my son lets it roll off his back and continues on. I will ask him later about it and how it made him feel. If he chooses to talk about it we will. But at times its hard watching him play alone.
I hope my daughter lets it roll off too. She sometimes will “follow” a few children and mimic their behavior. She sees laughter as laughter though. As mom I see and hear more. Hugs to you and your son!
Don’t assume genders
I know that the red haired girl could have been born a boy. But she identified herself as a girl and that’s why I called her a girl😊
Really?? That was your takeaway from this? How terribly sad.
May I ask where this happened at? What an amazing child her mom is raising. I to have a child with a disability my daughter is 6 and has autism. A lot of kids don’t understand it and just won’t play with her. It breaks my heart to see this happen.
It was at a neighborhood park. It’s a sprinkler type park, no pools. I love it as it is fenced in.
What a lovely time for all of you. Some
children, like some adults, see beauty and are loving and kind to all. They come and go into our lives like butterflies, touching down wispy and graceful..,lighting up our faces and lives for the moments they grace us with their presence. No questions or answers are
necessary and yes there are more to come.
I have a redhead who gets overwhelmed by people. She has had to be taught to thank them and smile when they compliment her hair, and she (out of my four girls) is normally the one who is singled out and complimented because she is the only redhead. I’ve watched her struggle with being polite when she’d rather not talk. Only occasionally, when it’s truly a genuinely nice person, does she smile back on her own and say thank you.
It is different with a “different” child. My parents don’t want to see it, they just call her quirky, but she doesn’t have the “typical” reactions to things… I think we’re dealing with a high functioning something…but she has yet to be diagnosed.
Thank you for your story 🙂
I think moms know. Even if she’s never diagnosed you’ll love her as is. I’m glad she’s complimented for her beauty though:)
Blessings to you, your daughter, and the girl with the frizzy red pigtails.
❤️
That was such a heartwarming and beautiful story thank you for sharing❤
❤️
Was the little girls name Faithanne if so it was my daughter she is really caring and loves to hug
Hi Beth I emailed you. If it was Faithanne thank you for her!
Aweee were you and your daughter also at the same type of place with sprinklers? What a sweet story.
Beautiful! 💖 tearful but very happy for you both!
Thank you:)
Beautiful letter this made me tear up…..i grew up with family members that were adopted because of their special differences we wanted them in our family. i learned allot about different diagnosis as I was growing up & because of that i have the heart i have now…..i do allot of home health care & hospice care i love to be around special children & adults because i feel at home with them….i have 3 children all boys ages 11yrs,6yrs & a 3yr old going on 4yrs. My 6yr old has been having issues & seems to not be what others call “normal” (from what his teachers say) he has a form of autism that his Dr’s haven’t bee able to pin point yet,but we believe it was triggered by an electrical shock that happened when he was going on two years old he picked up a cell phone charger that was left in an electrical outlet he placed it in his mouth & we heard a loud POP he flew 5ft & hit the back of his head on a 73 inched TV he had a red kine that went from hia top lip all the way up his face & down the back of his head & down the side of his neck his Dr’s said that he had to have the genetic markers for autism in order for this change to have happened in him….he changed,but he is active & can speak,but will shut down with new people that come around he has moments that are worse then other’s,but i wouldn’t trade those moments for other ever my son was given to me by God because God knew i needed my son in my life to save me from a path i was going down that wasn’t meant for me to travel. I have moments where many ask what is wrong with my son at first in the beginning i would tear up & explain,but now i smile & tell them that God gave me a special angel to take care of.
I hope you get that chance to thank this beautiful spirited little girl in person.
Thank you for sharing. I had the same grief when my daughter was born. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
IS SOMEONE CUTTING ONIONS IN HERE?!?!
(great post 🙂
Thank you:) blame it on allergies!
I work with special needs children and been doing it for 30 years, all kinds of behaviors , cerebral palsy to children on ventilators , I taught my girls to respect these children and treat them like they would like to be treated, I really love to see the kidz smile and laugh because for some of them that’s all they have,so I love your story and a very special ty to the little red head girl for respecting your daughter ad showing her kindness, you and I know how your daughter must have felt ,happy ,loved and cared for so ty for sharing your story brought a smile on my face
I’m glad I made you smile. You people that work with special needs are amazing! It takes a very special soul (and it’s worth that time).
Such a wonderful story!!! My son has a mild form of Aspergers….he is high functioning and just graduated high school. When he was little he always prefered to play by himself and that often broke my heart!! He had a good friend thru elementary school and middle school who has Downs Syndrome. People with Downs Syndrome are so sweet and innocent and i wish people would understand their disabilities and just treat them as equals because at the end of the day, we are all people!! 💜
Awww love that.
That is beautiful. I am a mom of a 17 year old son whom has an aquire severe traumatic brain injury from an automobile accident in November 2016… I go through the same on the weekends when he is home (he is in a rehabilitation facility atm trying to recover and progress) I don’t mind explaining to ppl but I’m sure it will get old…this little lady is magnificent xo
Hugs to you mommy! I don’t have the ability to tell you how to feel as that’s your life and story, but know that I’m thinking of you and hope for good days
Such a lovey story.
That was an angel in your path to let you know how special YOU and your daughter are!!
Thank you:)
This touched my heart in so many ways. I believe there are angels around us. Angels that aren’t only in a heavenly form, invisible, and fade away. But ones that are blessed with large hearts to comfort and be there in a time of need. I believe that they live a life as normal as yours and mine. To me it sounds like your daughter met her Angel and blessed you with her grace as well. I do hope your able to find this young lady again. Precious. So precious…
Beautiful:) and I have a story I’ll have to write someday where we were someone else’s angel.
Nope. Didn’t affect me one bit. Now if you excuse me, I… ah… I need to find a tissue… something in my eye. Yeah… that’s it. Something in my eye….
My best friend is smart. She taught me to always blame allergies 😉
Angels in pigtails…awesome!
Absolutely!
That is exactly what I was thinking!
Beautiful! There are children with qualities like this of the cute lil red head, but unfortunately they come far and few between. My children were raised to not stare, point, ect. I myself used to work in group homes for many, many years. So my children knew that that kind of behavior wasn’t appropriate. Instead they had compassion and love, & showed respect! Nor did they ever use the ( R ) to me people who use it is 1) grounds of losing your teeth if around me!
2) KARMA what comes around goes around!
Bless this lil Red Haired girl, need I mention I’m a Red Head myself. 💞💞💞💞
This I might add brought tears to my eyes, there may be some hope for compassion, we can only pray!!!!
Red hair is beautiful:) thank you for raising your children with that love!
Beautiful soul and at such a young age. We need more like both of them!
From what I read there are!
It is said, “Beauty of in the eye of the beholder.” But aren’t the eyes “a window to the soul. ” So if beauty is perceived, it must be because the beholder possesses a beautiful soul.
You sound like my BFF right now 💕
If everyone is like her the world would definitely a better place to live in.
Agreed!
my son has special needs; so I can relate to things you touched on. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story, it gIves me hope that as my son continues through his journey of life though difficult at times, it will also be filled with beautiful friendships with beautiful people to stand by him and help bring him out of of the shell bit by bit.
❤️
Omgoodness so awesome! It’s good to know there bare still children taught well w good manners and a big heart! I have a 8 yr old son whom has D.S. he is limited on verbal use and mobility and gets pushed aside by 99%of children and adults unfortunately 😦 but they knows who loves and accepts them for the precious children they r
This so teared me up and made me happy, I will share this story and only pray that all kids can be so positive and amazing as them girls!
Thank you for sharing and I’m glad I made you happy!
That girl doesn’t need your thanks. She is a happy and confident child and she enjoys your daughter. She has it over all those other children who’ve not been taught empathy. And she will have a richer life for it.
☺️
As the parent of a 24 year old daughter with Angelman’s Syndrome, I want you to know your comments made me smile.
There IS hope for humanity.
And you taught me something new today. Thank you for the smile!
❤️❤️❤️
I’m a 6 foot 265 lb correctional officer and you just made me shead a couple of tears with this beautiful experience thanks for sharing
Excellent:) and it’s a good thing to cry!
WOW …I am so choked up with tears streaming down my face. The innocence and beauty of this young girl. I so love it. The kindness she had shown your daughter is so precious and so special to have that in a young person. I also have a son with autism and he is 24 this year. Thank goodness we have had many nice, kind, special people in his life that have treated him as he was no different and even made up for what he lacked conversation when others would try to have a conversation with him. My son is verbal but will carryon a conversation if you start it and ask the questions iif he is not interested. Thank you so very much for sharing your beautiful story. AND you can bet that little girl knew how happy you were with her kindness. I am so happy that your daughter as well as yourself got to experience something so special in this little red haired girl. Its nice to not be drilled with so many questions sometimes.Blessings to you and your family
I’m so happy you’ve had such kind people in your life!
Precious children
Precious children
What a wonderful story. I cried, but happy tears. If more parents would raise thier children like the mom of the little red-haired girl this world would be a kinder more beautiful place! I am so glad your daughter made a new friend!
This was awesome story..I’m so glad to see something positive and good in this world …so many horrific and sad things going on right now …I’m very happy you shared your story ..and may God bless you .❤
Beautiful story,,,made my heart smile.
This story reminds of two very special people in my life
My 21 year old son
Who loved to spend time with kids with special needs
My 7 year old granddaughter
The most beautiful red head in the world
They are both angels as of 12-12-11
I look for signs every day of them telling me they are ok
Thanks for sharing your story
Makes me believe in the whole picture
Hopefully this was your sign today:) so sorry for your loss💕
Love, love, loved this story, my cup runneth over. My prayer tonight will be for not one but two beautiful little girls to meet again.
My little brother is autistic and he loves meeting new friends at the splash pad he goes almost every day.
Awesome!
The world we live in would be a much better place to live in if all of us looked at those who are not like us and treat them as this “fuzzy red pig tailed” child did! What an amazing story!
GOD blessed them both that day!
Just proves how GOD works his miracles everyday! Praise GOD!
Prayers sent for you and your family for more blessings to come!
Bless the little red haired girl, she has a special gift from GOD! 😇💖
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story!
What a beautiful story. People should think before they seek. There many children with special needs,the problems is people tend to judge before they know there ever day is a challange. The little girl should be proud of herself,she should be so proud that she made your child’s day.💖 and yours. Congrats to her💖💖😃☺😊
How beautiful I have a aunt that has something like this and it melts my heart to see we have some still in this world with a big heart!!!Awesome story!!!!!And she is just precious!!!!!
I think so too😉
Amazing read! I have a younger brother with special needs and have dealt with the questions and looks for years but this story warms me. To the little girl with the red pigtails you are an amazing g little lady and you will do wonderful things ! And to the mom of this article you are an amazing lady becuse of this article. What an amazing gesture to write this and your daughter is beautiful.
Having a special needs brother is why I am the person I am today and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Thank you for this letter it is amazing and beautiful!!
Thank you💕
Just beautiful xoxo
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story!
Wow, this is truly amazing!! God bless you & your daughter & the beautiful child who called your daughter her friend!! Children could teach adults so very much about how things need to be in this world!! ❤
I think it would be fun if all the adults learned a lesson each day from a child. Mine is usually to slow down and just pause a minute
I am sitting here drinking my morning coffee I came across your blog on Facebook I dont normally open and read blogs . But I am glad I did it brought tears to me eyes the most beautiful thing I have read in long time. I work at a respite home for autistic children and we go on outings daily to beach and splash pads it is hard when adults and other children don’t understand the little qourks of the children. It’s nice to see you and your daughter could have a great day to the pool 🙂
It’s our quirks that make us beautiful and unique:) I’m glad you found it and that’s my morning routine too😉
Beautiful, I too am dealing with a child with special needs. I find out very frustrating when people think you are making excuses for their behavior. They seem incapable of understanding they cannot help their reaction. We all have quirks and unreasonable expectations, we can just hide ours and they are not made public, whereas they cannot. What is, IS for our special needs child. It is not something we can tell them to change, it is their reaction PERIOD; and to be accused of just making excuses for them is both unfair and hurtful. It isn’t long before we also feel ostracized from main stream
I agree we all have quirks. Every person out there has good and not as good qualities.
Clean up in aisle two,tears all around.What a truly heart felt story.Kleenex please.
(Tosses a box)
Ok. Where are the onion slicing ninjas? Why are my eyes leaking? That was epic. As an aunt to two special needs children…that was precious.
Allergies 😉
That story touches me deep in my heart ,I grew up with a girl across the street as a child and then I married into a family with a child with downs. He has been the biggest blessing other than my children. They are here for a purpose and that is to show the world love. JJ is well known in mobile he knows people everywhere we go. One word LOVE. HE IS LOVE AND LOVES JESUS AND LET ME TELL YOU GOOD HAS USED HIM IN MY LIFE MORE THAN A FEW TIMES. HE IS A BLESSING . TO THE LITTLE GIRL THAT WAS WATCHING YOU SEEN HER HEART ,AND MAYBE ONEDAY GOOD WILL BLESS YOU WITH AN ANGEL TO TAKE CARE OF.
What a beautiful story. It touched my heart and made me smile. Your little girl is Beautiful and both of you are blessed to have each other.
It’s really wonderful when you see another child accept another child as they are this was a very inspiring story my grandson also has Down syndrome and he is such a joy and such a special person as your daughter is so thank you for the story
Enjoy your beautiful grandson!
That’s beautiful. I also have a 9 year son with down syndrome and autism tendencies. He’s non verbal as well. It’s hard watching kids treat him differently and say rude things at times. Parents act afraid to let their kids come near him and at times even annoyed that he’s there. I know he can unintentionally hurt them because he hugs hard and wants to climb on children half his size. We do have a couple kids in the family that are wonderful with him and don’t treat him different and I am grateful for them. And has made a couple new friends that smile and hug him when they see him even on the days he shoes no interest in them and pushes them away. I am so glad that your daughter made a new friend with such a sweet girl.
Hugs mama! Thankfully my little lady doesn’t do that. Although it’s fun as she’s obsessed with babies! She gravitates towards every one she sees
Morning, I would like permission to use your story in my classroom. I teach English in Texas and personal blogs are the best for reading. I won’t use it to make money, only use it for students to read and interpret literary techniques. My email is ydrawhorn@gmail.com. Thanks in advance for your consideration.
I would be honored 💕
This was so sweet. I’m sure that cute little Zen Ginger had life experiences that framed her interactions with your daughter. I’m a speech-language pathologist … for several summers my daughter helped me in a special needs summer school program every morning and was familiar with many different children there. One of my proudest (and “sweetest”) moments was when she told me that one of my students with Down Syndrome had transferred to her school that fall and ran up to her to hug her in a junior high hallway in front of a group of her friends. It hadn’t occurred to her to do anything other than hug her back, have a little chat and introduce her to her friends. Children pay attention and learn from what they are exposed to.
Oh I love that! What a sweet daughter you have💕
It takes one simple round of kindness to make the world that we live in a BETTER PLACE your words of expression makes it even more of a pleasant MOMENT for others to Acknowledge simple things makes HAPPY PEOPLE ….. thanks for sharing your story brought the best goose bumps and tears of happiness to this adult ……😄
☺️
Thank you for sharing this story. It was awesome!
I TO0 HAVE A PHYSICALLY DISABLED SON THAT IS 14. LIFE HAS BEEN SO TOUGH FOR HIM AND WE GET TIRED OF SAYING. “THIS IS HOW GOD MADE ME & I’M SPECIAL.” THIS BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES AND BLESS YOU MOM.
Hugs to you too mama!
I would LOVE for your daughter to meet and play with my daughter. She is 11 and always makes sure that all children are included in everything she does (example: she plays all the time with our neighbor who is 7 and only has her sisters to play with, you know some times its no fun playing with only your sisters, my daughter plays with here almost every day now since it’s summer, my daughter treats her like they are the same age and never says anything about the age difference) (another example: when my daughter is at dance, she always makes sure that no one is left out of a group conversation/group playing around in between dances, she always goes up to the new dancers and introduces herself and makes sure they are comfortable (shy ones come in scared and all the new kids come and doesn’t know anyone there)). I understand your daughter isn’t responsive verbally, and I am certain my daughter wouldn’t rush to meet her she’d let your daughter sit and talk when she’s ready. Would love to make a play date for a park (when it’s not so hot) and let them meet to see how it goes. I told her about your daughter, and showed her her picture, and she said “awe, she looks so nice, I’d love to play with her”, “I wouldn’t rush up and understand she can’t talk but would still like to play and talk with her”! If the play date goes well we can set up some more.
Awww that’s sweet!
So Sweet Children are children they Enjoy each others company…doesn’t matter your circumstances your going through that the time…They hold your hand to play as children do !!!God’s love of being a child…
So Sweet Children are children they Enjoy each others company…doesn’t matter your circumstances your going through that the time…They hold your hand to play as children do !!! God’s love of being a child…Priceless
Tears.
I’m so glad my girls are like that little girl with frizzy red pigtails. We have a young man at our elementary school who is autistic and has downs syndrome. He is treated with kindness and respect from all the kids at school. When Evalyn was tiny and still in a stroller, his para would tell him “don’t touch the baby” so he would hug me instead. I could see that the paras were uncomfortable with that simply because of society today and the don’t touch rule. 3 years later, when Evalyn sees him in the school, she runs up and hugs him. His eyes light up like you wouldn’t beleive. The paras no longer wonder how we will react to “touching” and he has learned when it is appropriate. I know it’s a tough job for his teachers and para but he is a strong little man and I have been SO blessed to see him grow over the years. Adults need to learn from the children just as much as the children need to learn from them.
It’s such a tough boundary! Me, myself, if a child hugs someone and it feels natural I say it’s okay;) but that’s my personal opinion!
Wow what an awesome experience for you and your daughter that afternoon must have been. You made me feel happy and sad at the same time. I have an 11 year old grandson diagnosed with high functioning Aspergers and his 4 year old brother yet to be diagnosed but shows all markers for Autism. He is going to have a hard time integrating in school. His levels in all areas socially seem to be that of an aged 3 child and he is almost 5.He will not poop on the toilet, He has melt downs which I think are due to he has a hard time when there are to many people around. He is super bright and learns very fast. I would not trade either child for anything! I would however love to see the school systems educate children on how our special little ones thinking processes are just a little different than the “norm” because that is where I think things could change if children were told and shown how to accept each other for who there are. Also there needs to be more in place to help the parents of children in these situations. I am lucky my daughter is an awesome mom and parents all three of her kids with such compassion and love. The healthcare system in this world is horrible and needs to change….waiting over a year to see a doctor for a diagnosis is unreal! Glad you had a great day and your daughter had such fun with a new friend!
Oh I’m glad mama does well:) every step is a step closer! It’s challenging for schools to educate about those needs because of privacy though too. Hopefully there’s a happy medium!
Wow. So beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
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This is a beautiful story, thank you for sharing!💗
❤️
I have a special needs child. She was always ridiculed and made fun of. This blog made me shed many tears for your daughter. Just being loved for who you are for just a few minutes is the best blessing a child could ask for. My daughter just a few weeks ago moved out at the age of 21! It was not a happy move as the neighbors have convinced her she will marry their autistic son. And maby she will.i will always thank God for bringing him I not he life as one day I will not be here to continuing helping her. But it was not and shouldn’t have been handled the way they did it. Makes me wonder if they did it all for her disability check! I’m left with my memories of my little 4pound 16 inch baby. And the 21 yrs of memories. God bless you and your daughter. Prayers for you and the red haired girls and her family.
Hugs to you mama. That’s one of our biggest fears as a special needs parent isn’t it? I hope everything turns out ok and you’re in my thoughts.
This makes my heart happy! I have a dear friend who’s daughter has Smith Magenis Syndrome and our youngest are close in age as are our oldest. They are all friends and understand her uniqueness. However, the outside world does not. Much like you, my friend also gets tired of explaining and justifing!
When we are there I understand what she wants and needs with ease so it’s easy for her to approach me and communicate with me. She has a limited vocabulary even with speech several times a week. It is slowly improving… However, it’s a process. It’s always going to be one of those things that outsiders have to ask about and it’s so rare that it provokes more questions. To my kids they don’t see the disability… Just the friendship!
I love that you and your children are such good friends to them 💕
This beautiful post brought me to tears. With all the stories we hear about bullying of regular kids, not to mention the way special kids are often treated, it was heart warming to read this. I hope you do run into this little redhead again and can also compliment the mother on how she’s raised her child.
I hope so too:)
This is so beautiful. Us as parents live to see our children happy, and when one simple little action from another child helps ours happier then they have ever been fills our 💖’s with joy and happiness 😊 your daughter is a blessing and I hope she has many more moments like these.
Thank you:)
This is amazing story. Also very special
🙂
This brought brought tears to my eyes. I work with special needs children and have a special place in my heart for children who have special needs and for the kids who bring them friendship and joy. God bless both girls and their families. 💜
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Thank you so much for sharing this story! I am a pediatric SLP and LOVE stories like this! We, as a society, need to ensure that our kids are open, caring, and can hang out with other kids, regardless of their super abilities.
That is quite amazing. I honestly don’t even want to believe it because very few people are understanding of the different and unique, and Iv worked at an Alzheimer’s facility for two years now and have seen very weird and difficult situations. But to think a mere child had more guts to try and understand a special person than most people my age and even older going past their thirties and forties have should be a wake up call for the rest of us. What does it mean when a child teaches us humanity, respect and complete awe. It means we need to do a better job of opening up our closed minded eyes and love the world and its creatures no matter if they are not the “norm”. Thank you for this story ❤️ I’ll be keeping u and ur daughter in my thoughts 👍
I’ve loved how through the responses I’ve gotten it’s not unique 💕
This is incredibly beautiful. What an angel. So glad the two of them had an opportunity to share laughter and friendship together! Thank you for sharing!
Absolutely beautiful. I was hoping for a happy ending but nervous as to what a child could say. Brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face.
I work as a support person to individuals with disabilities such as these listed in the stories above. I have been in this field for 12 years now and see my people as family, many as much so as my 5 children. That being said, my kids were raised to not see different people like they are somehow wrong for this world, but instead i raised them to look inside each person and see what is reflected from inside. I found that they tend to choose friends who arent on societys “norm” and i asked my oldest why once. ( she is 15 now) her answer astounded me. She said its not about popularity or what i can do for her mom, its what she gives me in the friendship. Total honesty and pure love. I credit the fact they were raised within my job for this insight. She says she gets more out of being her friend than what the other girl gets. But i see it differently, i think they reflect each others beauty and will always have one another. I also have a red head with a ton of beautiful freckles and a tumor disorder that causes fleshy benign tumors to grow all over. It gives her a bit of confidence issues but ive told her this her entire life, you were a gift and just because the wrapping is unique id never want to exchange it. I love all there is of you. I think we are raising our kiddos right mamas!
I love your daughter’s answer! That’s beautiful:)
Beautiful story. Apparently some parents are teaching their kids how to be good human beings. Children are not born to hate or discriminate…it is truly in the upbringing. God bless your beautiful daughter and the little red haired girl. If only more people could see the world the way they do.this world would be a much better place
It seems to me both are two angels in disguise.
If you look for the good in the world, you can find it. My God made a beautiful world with endless opportunities to focus on helping others, making frends, sharing joy and giving blessings to others. What a wonderful young lady. She has good people inspiring and teaching her. THANK YOU for sharing such a kind, heartfelt story. She is an amazing example for all of us!
OMG that made me cry, what a beautiful story, that little girl is certainly being raised properly, kids are pretty good usually, they may be curious and ask, but basically accept, unless the child is being raised in a home with humans who ridicule, and put down others, learned behaviour 😥 So happy for your daughter, and you ❤️
It made me cry too! 🙂
If there was more little red headed girls in the world, our world would be at peace.
She makes me think of Charlie Brown ‘s little red haired girl. So sweet that you cannot help but love her.
Maybe the red pigtail little girl was an angel. Letting you know that your beautiful downs little girl is special and normal in yours and His eyes.
Wow, thank you for sharing and I m sooo glad to see there are still beautiful hearted children out there. O have really been questioning this for while. My children are 10&11 and say please thank you sir maam and know prayers and blessings so many times I have been told my children are a rarity. So next time you see this lil red head when say thank you maybe should tell her mom great job too cause it Is such a good feeling to hear we doing a great job too. It’s wonderful no matter the difficulty you go thru u treat your daughter so well never letting her feel she’s different or weird she’s a beautiful lil girl that she is. Thank you again for sharing best story heard in long time had tears reading it.. one of a kind…
One of her first signs as a toddler was “beautiful” as from day one she has been.
that is so sweet! my daughter’s first sign was “cute”!! LOL And she is!
What a darling girl! My daughter (who is 21 years old now), has cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, and global developmental delays. She is mentally and emotionally 5-8 years old… But she is tall and beautiful, and if she hasn’t spoken to you, you would not know any of her ‘conditions’. Whenever we are in public, I am on guard, always seeking to protect her from anyone who does not treat her with kindness and respect. Most of the time, my worries are unfounded…but there have been incidents. It warms my heart when she is accepted without reservation by new people. Thank you for sharing your story. I do hope that you see this little angel again. She is precious.
What a darling girl! My daughter (who is 21 years old now), has cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, and global developmental delays. She is mentally and emotionally 5-8 years old… But she is tall and beautiful, and if she hasn’t spoken to you, you would not know any of her ‘conditions’. Whenever we are in public, I am on guard, always seeking to protect her from anyone who does not treat her with kindness and respect. Most of the time, my worries are unfounded…but there have been incidents. It warms my heart when she is accepted without reservation by new people. Thank you for sharing your story. I do hope that you see this little girl again. She is precious. Just one final thought–Angels do tend to recognize one another. ❤
Your daughter sounds lovely:) I’m glad she has you!
I apologize for the double post… I wanted to edit, but it did not work out.
This is remarkable I love that you as a mom saw the beauty in this I am a mom of many and my children especially Kaegan have this gift of loving those who may seem to others as different although your daughter to me and many is gifted she is beautiful inside and out! I have a long term goal to own a rehabilitation horse ranch for children with down syndrome i love them and they are a gift from God! I’d love to join you and your daughter along with my kids to play sometime at the splash park it would be a blessed day to enjoy y’all company!!
What a beautiful goal! My gal is petrified of animals other than our dog as she finally got used to him;)
Thank YOU “mylifewiththree” for being present enough, touched enough, and caring enough to take the time to write a message in response to such a profound moment to these little people and the future of kindness and love without the judgement which many of us all to often encounter…..peace love and blessings
Thank you:) Gratitude is part of my life now💕
That’s so sweet
My daughter is almost 20 now N she has always been able to communicate with special children and young adults being in the special education program at her school she learned everyone is not the same! N now as she continues her education to become a special education teacher I am so very proud of her! This child’s mother should be very proud!
Best of luck to her!
Priceless, I know my kids would have done the same thing. They both were peer tutors with special kids. My granddaughters have been taught to accept them as regular kids also.
Awesome:)
That’s beautiful. It’s really nice to know that there are still great kids out there with wonderful parents raising them with respect for everyone including those with a disability.
Very nice. There truly are people like this little girl.
Eddie West I love you Beautiful ♡ My best friend forever 《♡♡》
I understand completely where you are coming from my son is 8 and has Tourette syndrome and is sever adhd and it is hard for him to “make friends” as well every time he starts “acting out” someone says that he is getting on their nerves so me being me the over protective mother I get up and take my child out of the mix so he doesn’t get on everyone’s nerves …. Its not every day that you find and understanding child but, I am very very glad you found one on this day
Hugs to you mama!
An angel from heaven.
We need more loving and caring and understanding in this world just like this. What a wonderful example I hope everyone can take a lesson away from that little girl. I have a down syndrome step brother and I have such a special place in my heart for him. I related to this story in that way. Those parents of that little girl should be extremely proud in everyway!
This brought tears to my eyes….this child was heaven sent…I pray her mother sees this..so she can also be proud of herself.Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us…may God continue to bless your daughter & your family.
Beautiful story. Moments like that renew your faith in humanity. God love the little girl’s mom for teaching her acceptance and God bless both children and their families.
Sweet
Oh and you little girl is beautiful!!!
Thank you for sharing. With tears in my eyes I wish more children were raised to keep the innocence and love in their heart, as so many are raised to learn hatred. My daughter would have done the same as the little girl described. I pray they keep the splash pad and clean up the borough counsil instead.
As a teacher, I celebrate your child’s experience and applaud the little girl who so selflessly gave of herself. Teaching children with special needs has always been a joy to me and as I watch children interacting I always celebrate, but not always quietly, the small things. May your child have many more such experiences…
Dear mom of your special angel,
I don’t know your name, but I understand the pain and sadness when children find your daughter different. My dear Lucy, who had autism and anxiety struggles with other children her age. I’ve had many well meaning children am why she acts the way she does. Unlike Down syndrome, Lucy appears “normal” but she acts, well, like a child with autism. When I watch Lucy playing at the park, swimming in the pool, or at school, I worry about the “normal” kids. Thankfully, Lucy has been blessed with angels disguised as children. Even on a bad day, the kids want to help calm her, or take her on a walk around school, or offer to lend her something so she feels safe again. I thank God every day for His tender mercies that are on all of us, because Lucy is in our family.
I’m so thankful for the story you shared and the not I found because of you and your darling girl.
With love,
This is a beautiful story. My sister is also blessed to have Downs Syndrome. Well, I guess I should say that I am blessed to have her as my sister. It wasn’t easy growing up, protecting her from the mean kids but, I do remember some amazing ones along the way who became her friends. I got tired of hearing “Your parents are pretty brave for having more kids after having one of those. …” Most people don’t understand that basically the only difference is they have an extra chromosome. Amazing what one little genetic difference can make. She is the sunshine in my life. Blessed with being able to make you smile no matter what mood you are in. I really love hearing about days like your daughter had. Thank you for sharing. I hope she gets to play with the lovely girl again!
Thank you for sharing. When it came to number three for us I knew it wouldn’t have mattered a bit if that child too had an extra chromosome. Sandra, it sounds like the two of you are both blessed💕
Absolutely beautiful my cause also has down syndrome and I as a little girl grew up with a friend with autism I myself and my mama have worked in the meds field and know this all to well
She’s beautiful
Reading this gave me goosebumps. Beautiful. I love when children just see the beauty in each other.
Happy to see a happy story at the splash pad a story where compassion was shown, unfortunately that is not always the case at the splash pad, and I am not talking about the children that play there. Couple weeks ago my nephew with cerebral palsy was “splashing” and it was the adults that had rude comments and gave dirty looks to the point where his parent was so hurt they left. This is a beautiful story and I hope it continues we have enough hate and violence everyday in this country.
hugs to your family. I hope the next time he goes splashing there is more kindness shown.
Tears…beautiful story.
Beautiful :*)
Beautiful story! My friend whom is my sister’s neighbor has an beautiful sweet daughter with Downsyndrom… my sister would look after her occasionally (a couple times a week) so that her mommy could run errands. Both of my nieces as well as my son and the sweet little neighbor were always excited for their play dates. Growing up with less than 2 years age difference between them all 4 (3 to 5) was so much fun. I am proud to add, our precious little ones have all graduated high school (except mine, he is a senior this year) and are excelling forward into life. Our special little neighbor, completed high school and now works in a workshop library (her choice) set up by a local organization for adults with special needs. She absolutely loves being a part of anything, from church plays, to parades, or just sharing a bean bag watching a home movie. We should all try harder to show love to one another. God bless the little girl’s in this story and their parents.
How fun! I love hearing all these stories!
What a beautiful story my daughter would have done the same😉
Beautiful story and I pray you see her again so that your daughter can play with her new friend! Special people deserve special people and that’s why God chose you as her mom. He also chose that little red hair girl to be a special person. If for no other reason to show some one how special your daughter is. I pray you find more kind loving people in your journey of life. They are few and far in between but we do exist. Thank you for sharing your story.
That was the best birthday present EVER..Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your story it was amazing. My daughter is very similar to yours so I fully understand how much joy your heart felt to see her interaction. God bless you and your family.
Thank you:)
I love your story and I loved being a little red haired girl at one time and I raised a little red haired girl, they are all precious children and we are blessed!
Both special persons in their own ways that found a common language which took them far above most of us…
Priceless….I also have a special needs grandson that lives with us, he was born completely blind & diagnosed with Autism at the age of 4, he is now 13. Friends are rare in his world so I understand what you are saying, to have a ” normal ” child sit a enjoy his company & my grandson NOT freak out, is priceless…..& we are lost for words…….
Oh hugs! That’s a lot for him (and you!) to deal with
I love that
Beautiful story, I hope the mother of the frizzy red pigtail girl sees your post.
I cried when I read this what a beautiful little girl.
What an amazing and beautiful story!!!!
Thankyou for this amazing and personal piece. There are decent people young and old. Unfortunately it is getting harder and harder to find them.
You are decent as was the little red head with frizzy plaits.
Best wishes to you and your gorgeous girl.
Thank you💕
As I read your story today I had tears in my eyes because as you, I have a “special” daughter she was born with spina bifida, when she was a little girl we rarely had any “nice” faces, all she got through school was bulling from students and teachers!! So much that she quit school!! She’s now 24 years old!! But I’m so glad your little girl found a friendly face!! They’re so hard to find!! I believe all parents should teach their children to love and accept other children even if they’re a little “special”😍
💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
Oh I wish she would have found that friendly face:(
Finally…when allof our world seems to be rashing down around us…something so beautiful and uplifting to smile about. Thank you, we needed that!
Kid’s just know how to put happy back into life. Maybe her parents taught her that maybe not. I am pretty sure God just wanted to give a gift and chose the beautiful red headed girl to give it.
Thank you for sharing your story. I started crying and touched me deeply because I know how you feel. My son who is almost 13 has selective mutism and doesn’t have any friends. Sure at school he is accepted but no one wants to hang out with him because he doesn’t ever say anything except whispering to classmates in a small group ‘setup” by teacher. He does everything with myself or his dad and doesn’t have siblings. He has found his passion, working on cars. Actually anything that involves tinkering with engines or electricity. Does anyone know of a program or website that helps, encourages teens, tweens or kids to make friends with kids in similar circumstance? Im in the SF Bay Area.. thanks
I don’t know of any sites myself but I really hope we can find one!
Beautiful.
That is so sweet! Shows great parents on both sides. Love to your beautiful daughter and to the fellow little redhead with the beautiful soul.
Sometimes, there are angels among us… and miracles in the smallest moments
What a wonderful heartfelt (on my part, too) story. You told it so beautifully I saw the story unfold. I hope you do see the red head girl again if only to tell her mother what a wonderful caring daughter she is raising.
Thank you, Jane💕
Absolutely the most awesome story I’ve read I quite soetime. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading!
Beautiful and thanks for telling it so well.
Unexpected beauty
Awesome story. It really touched my heart. Sometimes I’m afraid to approach a special needs child when my heart tells me I should. From now on I’m listening to my heart and soul.
Absolutely! I’ve found my heart tells me what I should do quite often:)
What a beautiful story. ❤ My sister had Down's. I get it. That little girl was an angel.
So nice to read such a lovely and touching story!
Thank you for sharing. I needed to smile after everything that has gone on this week. It’s good to know that there are kind souls out there.
The little red headed girl probably knew what it was like to be different. A lot of times red headed kids are treated differently too.. I know on the same level but that may have made her have a bigger heart and able to see past someone’s differences!
Stories like this help put my faith in humanity again. Thank you for sharing and I hope the red haired girl sees it one day.
Perfect story. I love the rare times when kids let kids just be kids. No questions. Just fun and acceptance.
When I see kids do the unusual kind stuff, that most kids don’t even have a clue about, I ALWAYS look for the parents and let them know what a great kid they have. Usually they’re taken back a bit, because they’re already in defense mode, expecting the usual ‘negative’ comments. We need to lift kids up, not tear them down. I strongly believe that it DOES take a village to raise a child.
Awesomeness
i love the story it brought tears to my eyes.. thank you for sharing
Beautiful!
This is beautiful story. Was it the splash pad at Saluda Shoals Park?
No it wasn’t:)
That brought tears to my eyes my 1st cousin was born with downs as well and too was autistic. He was truly my best friend, and had many trials and triumphs. With that said he always seemed so happy, even after diagnosed with leukemia. All the treatment that he inferred he was still so very amazingly happy. He did later pass away, but the hardest thing was people treating him different. He had other siblings and were treated the same as them. Outside of that others made him feel as if he weren’t equal to anyone else. I am so over filled with appreciation for that little girl to take a moment of her time to treat your daughter like she would anyone else. That says a lot for so many that want to just ask questions and then walk on never giving another glance. To one that simply just wanted to become friends even if it were only for a day. Thanks for sharing your story and I hope you meet again on the sprinkler pad 🙂
He sounds like he was a huge part of your life💕
So I’m bawling. Haha. But seriously, such a beautiful moment. I can’t imagine what it must be like having a child with special needs and watching them be rejected. I’m sure that girl’s mom had a hand in raising her to be accepting.
We see lots of kindness too. That’s when you focus on that💕
Sounds just like my little LJ, almost 9, Austin tendencies and non-verbal.
You are an extremely talented writer. I loved your story and I’m so glad you and your daughter had such a lovely experience. I was so moved and feel lucky to have read this story.
Thank you, that is such a beautiful compliment. I’m happy to have moved you❤️
Mom, this is a very beautiful story. I am a mom, a grandma, and a nanny. I love all children, and this story touched my soul .
Priceless!
I loved it, thank you for sharing!
That was truly inspiring. And after all of the hatred in this world, especially lately, this is a wonderful thing to read about. Gives people hope that there’s still light in this world. Thank you for sharing.
Empaths
This same thing happened to me and my child while swimming at a local pool. My husband left that day in tears (tears of joy). We were thankful enough to have run into this young girl twice and was able to thank her and her father. We had the same things running through our minds as you did but I love how you were able to write them down so perfectly. My daughter is also non verbal and has autistic tendencies. She however is undiagnosed at this time. Thanks for sharing….
So happy you experienced that love 💕💕
A truely touching story, it gives me faith in humanity.
Oh my heart is bursting and tears are threatening to roll down my face. Such a beautiful story!
This is so beautiful I have always thought my kiddies that if they see a child that may like different to them that it’s OK to say hi and not be rude they are just like us but in There own way 🙂 I as a mummy have a nearly 2 year old who has hip problems so she in and out of casts and everyone always asks the same thing what’s wrong with her why she like that it just easier to say yea she mite be 2 in august but she the size of a 6-9mnth old who just happens to walk lol she can’t even fit size 1 clothing lol but ur story is wonderful plus Im a mum that loves to play with children just like urs they warm my heart and make me proud of who I am as a person:-) thank you so much for sharing ur story
Awww…my little lady used to wear a scoliosis back brace. We got even more questions then!
I rarely tear up to various stories…. but you, Mom…. you got me on this one… May you all be blessed again.
💕
Awwwww this made me cry! I love it when a soul pops up out of the sea and shines like a beautiful light in the darkness – showing the very best of humanity and what we are capable of. You see, for all our seemingly wondrous accomplishments, moments like these are the only ones that matter – times when we take time to love and give of ourselves, especially to a stranger who can offer nothing back, without thought for what we may gain from the other person. It’s stories like this that make it worth everything!!!
I completely agree!
Awe, this is so precious! Thanks for sharing this! My little niece is legally blind and her eyes look different! Many kids make fun of her so this little story brought tears to my eyes! If only more parents would teach their children to be more loving and kind to people that are different, this world would be a more beautiful place!
Aw, bless her💕
This was such an amazing story! I am in a puddle of tears right now..no u don’t see that anymore!! But little red pigtails..ur mother taught u well, love others no matter what they look like or how they might be different then most! Now I would have done the same thing when you just sat back and watched..watching a miracle happen in the making..that’s how the rest of the world she be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My little girl has cerbral palsy. She can’t verbally speak but make lots of noises. She also can’t walk so we have a wheel chair. This brought a tear to my eye when I read this. Just because I can relate.
I loved your story. Thank you for sharing it.
Amazing story. I love to see other children and ppl react in this way with special needs children and adults. I worked at a state facility for special needs ppl. Before working there I’d not had acquaintances with specials ppl. I lived being there with all of them. I never saw them as a diagnosis. I was their nurse but felt like their mother. All children should be allowed to meet other children with special needs. I allowed my daughters to interact with my patients. They both have the kindness and love for the special gifts God gave to us in these ppl. Their love is pure and truly unconditional.
This is very beautiful. I wish all children could be raised like this. I teared up. God bless you
This is beautiful
This made me tear up. It was such a beautiful thing and I pray that you and your daughter DO see her again. In this world we need more children like her and your daughter should have great friends like her. Your daughter deserves all the beauty and acceptance that this world has to offer. ALL children need that. May God bless you and your family with more AMAZING experiences like this one. This just made my day. Thank you for posting it and giving us hope for a brighter today, tomorrow, and future! Much love to you all!
Thank you so much:)
Thank you for sharing this wonderful moment. We parents of special needs children cherish these special moments and share them because they are full of warmth and compassion which is what our world today needs more of. I will carry your story in my heart for a long time and share it at every opportunity because it shares the caring and love of our souls that some days we really loose touch with,…Judy
This story is heartwarming.
However, why point out the behavior of typical children towards your daughter? It’s almost as if you are saying that they are intentionally being unkind because they are curious. Children speak the truth as they see it. They ask questions because they are curious. Its how they learn. Although, I can only imagine how tiring the constant stream of innocent questions might be, how else will they ever learn? Just as a child might ask why we all come in different colors, shapes, and sizes- they have only been on this earth for a short time. Everything is new. I sincerely hope that your daughter is only treated with compassion and acceptance by every person she encounters and hope that you, too, will treat others the same way.
Beautiful…..
Beautiful!
Thus us a beautiful story a Miracle.You didn’t you have to explain because there was nothing to explain it that moment of when a friendship started.Tears of joy is what this is.I pray you see this precious gift from God.We may never know when such Joy will come it came today with a little girl with a smile that only wanted a friend to play with isn’t that what we all want for our children someone just to play with or just to understand the moment.God Bless You and your Daughter and Family.
As I read this I am not sure how to feel, you see, I lost a child at 20 weeks of gestation due to trisomy 18. I was very uneducated about down syndrome, trisomy 18, etc. I found out that my unborn baby had it on December 2nd, which is a horrible day because that day was the 5th year anniversary of my 9 year old son’s death due to a car accident. I do have a healthy 4 year old little girl now that I am very grateful for but she does not replace either of my other children, I love them all in different ways. I guess my point in even commenting on this is that at least you do have your sweet little girl here to share life with. That is something that I long for with both of my deceased children so even though I have no idea how you must feel when all of the questions are asked to you concerning you sweet girl, I do wish that my children were here for people to ask me about, consider that a blessing when you are asked. I have learned that sometimes the very things that we take offense to are the very things that are blessings in disguise most of the time…we just can’t see it at the time. You have my up most respect for being such a loving mother….God choose you for a reason 🙂
I’m so sorry for your loss, Lorrie. Hugs to you, your little girl and your two babies that are no longer with you.
Your story is so inspiring , my daughter doesn’t talk and I get those weird looks 2hen I tell people that she doesn’t talk , hoping one day she will , your story inspire me to keep my head up and if she doesn’t ever talk I know I’m not the only one in the world with a special needs child that doesn’t talk thank you for sharing your story and god bless you and your daughter .
Same to you❤️
What an inspiring story! Kids can often teach adults life lessons that we can truly learn from. This sweet little girl showed unconditional love and friendship, something we should all do more of.
This brought tears to my eyes. Beautifully written and very eye-opening! I work with children with Down Syndrome, and their creativity and uniqueness amazes every day! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you! I love watching her and wondering what is in her brain.
God bless that lol child
I love this, it made me teary eyed. I work with special n individuals, my daughter has a paralysis due to a birth injwhere some nerves were damaged in her spine. Embrace spreading awareness. When my daughter was born just over a year ago, I was afraid of the judgement from people asking “what’s wrong with her arm?” “How did.it happen?” “Will her arm ever work?” Never fear spreading awareness in hopes that someone will understand. My daughter went from having no movement in leftie, to being able to raise it up above her head, only 10 months post surgery. Your daughter deserves to live as normal life as any other. Spread awareness, never let it get old, and exhausting. Don’t fear others reactions, when you’re doing the right thing.
Special needs individuals*
I am praying right now that you find that little red-headed girl!!
This is so lovely to read. Children can be cruel and unkind but this just proves that it’s not always the case.
If all people in the world were like that little red pigtailed girl, the world would be a much nicer place.
GOD DEFINITELY SENT AN ANGEL TO PLAY WITH YOUR ANGEL
That is just beautiful! I’m so glad your daughter got to enjoy no judgemen for a day. And she is like other kids, just with a little something extra! 😊
How precious!!!
What a lovely post to read and thank you for sharing it.
Maybe the little red headed girl has a sibling or school friend who she can relate to being on the outside looking in and knew how to relate because of that.
Quite horrible for our children to be different but we are all different in our own way. I am sure your daughter has qualities others do not have.
I want to be this little girl when I grow up.❤️
Oh wow this was so beautiful- thank you for sharing this 💕
Thank you 1million times, im just becoming kind of comfortable taking my 7 yo special needs son to the park. There are MANY of us out here that completely relate and i thank you for writing this piece.
Brooklyn, NY
Keep going! Your boy will find a friend some day, but the experience alone is worth it!
Like Charles Schultz said, “Love is that little girl with the red hair.” Beautiful story.
That is such a beautiful story it literally brought tears to my eyes. But not of sadness but of great joy for both girls. May God truly bless you all
It’s a good memory:) I’m glad that it’s touched so many people. Little bits of beauty.
I loved your story. It reminded me of my own frzzy-haired, freckled-faced girl. When she was in pre-school, she told me about her new friend, Walter. Every day she would talk about what fun things she and Walter had done that day. Several weeks in to the school year, I chaperoned a school trip, and I met Walter. Walter was a beautiful little boy who had Down’s Syndrome – something I never got from all my daughter’s descriptions. I watched them play on the playground. At one point, I saw Walter sitting by himself at the top of a slide. Shortly afterwards, I saw my daughter climb to the top, sit by her friend, and they slid down together. On our way home, I told her how nice it was for her to help him down. She replied, very matter of factly, “Walter doesn’t really talk, but that’s ok. I know what he means.” Over the years, I saw her exhibit the same kind of behavior. In elementary school, she had a teammate on her coed soccer team who had Aspergers. One game he was having difficulty focusing on the game. He had wondered off the field at one point. The coach and his parents were yelling at him, trying to get him back on the field. I guess my daughter heard this. She walked away from the play, put her arm around his shoulders, said something to him, and gently walked him back to the game. I can tell you, I was one proud mom. I know you would like to thank the red-haired girl and her parents. But I feel confident that they would thank you in return. My frizzy-haired girl is now a beautiful young woman. Her friendships with children like your daughter taught her to be kind, be patient, and to listen with her eyes as well as her ears. They helped make her the wonderfully kind and compassionate woman I am so proud of today.
I almost deleted your comment through my teary eyes. You were given a gift and I’m so glad you have that lovely red-haired girl❤️ I know I was given a gift with my girl. I was just thinking about my pregnancy/first few days while talking with another parent another day. I could never change it. I’m so blessed that this spontaneous mixture of chromosomes happened to us. My kids have all taught me so much about love and life. I see so much empathy and kindness in my other two. My littlest is just starting to put pieces together and losing the jealousy she’s had prior to this year. And I’ve seen both my typically developing children talk and interact with others without a second thought. And I love that.
Did your daughter ever see her friend again??..
No we didn’t. We just met new friends.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. As a mother of a child with Autism it’s hard to watch your son play on the playground alone. On school trips watching him try to interact with other children. It breaks my heart to now that he doesn’t have a best friend to spend the night or take with us on adventures. I believe in God and God doesn’t make mistakes I also believe in angels There is still good in the world God Bless
Angie
This is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your heart !
Thank you for posting a beautiful story. I love seeing positive stuff that affects beautiful people and your daughter is beautiful and that little redheaded girl also realized that. She has been raised well and a treat others with kindness so I send out a big shout-out to her whoever she is. She obviously has a big heart and will kindly touch those who are in her company. Glad you and your daughter had a good day with the positive outcome.
There’s so much beauty in the world. I think my spunky girl for showing me that.
I hope to hear more about your daughter and the lil red headed pigtail girl..I have a special needs niece so I know what you and your daughter go through…
I’d love to meet her again. We moved so who knows- but I’m a believer in fate and karma. I think we will find her someday and let her know how much she’s touched others.
Beautiful story! I hope u find that beautiful red head again too. Its the simple things in life… it truly is!!
Beautiful. An act so simple can change so much. Thank you for sharing. May your daughter have more beautiful days like this one.
The world could learn a thing or two from that red head pig tailed little girl but I think the world is scared to learn what peace and happiness and loving one another is.
This brought tears to my eyes, what a beautiful and meaningful story. I watch children’s stare at my 7 year old autistic son everywhere we go because of the stimming, I see giggles, finger-pointing and laughter. This gives me the hope that there is children out there who are kind-hearted
Oh, honey, there are. And I hope you see more of that💕
Beautiful! As a mother of a 20 year old son with down syndrome this brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing.
Hugs to your boy ❤️
I’m a Santa & I’m very compassionate with Children with special needs, I was wondering if you could give me some helpful tips ? When I ask them a question, I usually answer it for them. Example, I’ll say; I bet you were a good child this year ? ( Right ?) Now my question is; Do they understand my question ? Sometimes They nod their head other times they say or do nothing. I know each person is different. I just would like to have them leave with a lot of joy in their heart after visiting with Santa. I tell all children that Santa LOVES them always. & wish them a very Merry Christmas & a wonderful Life.
Santa, you made my day posting. I think that the question you ask varies considerably between kids, but I can tell you are doing the right thing already 🙂 Compassion is what everyone deserves and if the person you are talking with doesn’t answer back it’s great you answer for them. It sounds like you would be a good candidate for a special needs Santa. Being calm and gentle and moving slowly sometimes would also help those people that are a bit scared. My daughter is curious, but also scared of Santa’s workshop displays in the malls (probably because it’s so loud). And I say people because as an adult I like to believe in the magic of Christmas and Santa. Thank you for spreading that joy and love and for being so empathetic! And I’m also hoping some of my other readers will find this and join the conversation to give you more tips.
Had me crying too
This is a beautiful moment for all three of you – a beautiful story and I pray you meet at the splash pad again!!
I don’t have special needs children, but I will teach my kids to be like the redhead girl. Thank you for sharing.
Love your story, I’m in tears. The innocence of a child shows us adults the ginuwine respect to humanity! Children are gifts from God and should be accepted regardless! Prayers and many blessings be with you and your family!
An angel in disguise….
Loved this! Gave me chills. 🙂
This is absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing! I couldn’t keep myself from crying. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. You are an amazing mom!
That made me cry … thank you so much for sharing.
That was beautiful!! I hope you see her again too!
This is so lovely! It’s amazing how kind and wonderful some people are, even from a young age like that girl. Makes my heart happy to know there are good people like that around ❤
Beautiful….
It is a gift to have a daughter that sees with her heart and not just her eyes. My daughter has that same gift. Loved everyone. And I have always special needs is really “special gifts from God “. God bless your daughter and you as a mom. And the little red head with a big heart. Love this.
What a beautiful story. My special needs child is hone now to his heavenly home. He was my world for 25 years. I understand this mother and the joy she felt when another child treated her kindly and normal. My son was treated so kind by my daughters friends. They may never know how happy they made me when they treated him like any other kid. While I sit here and cry because I have two grandbabies in trouble and there is not a lot I can do to save them I still smiled when I read this beautiful story.
This is so beautiful!
When my son was in middle school a boy who I believe had autism was attracted to my son and whenever they had scheduled time together would be with him. I worked with individuals with disabilities at this time. My son would complain about this boy and ask why he wanted to be near my son. I explained that there must be something about my son that he felt comfortable with and took the opportunity to use it as a learning experience about people who may be different. Now my son who is in his 30’s made his career working with folks with disabilities as I did. Funny, you never know how a learning experience will change your future do you?
My daughter with DS is 34 years old
and it’s very hard to understand her speech. I have seen it all in her life time. These instances are very rare, but when they do occur it is a special time for her. She enjoys someone paying attention to her even when they can’t understand what she’s saying back. She a true joy in my life and she really does love everyone!
Wow. Heartstrings: tugged.
Thank you for sharing❤️