It was Sunday afternoon. We were in
our usual spot. While the rest of the congregation enjoyed sacrament service
from the chapel, we occupied the foyer. Emma ran around gleefully, enjoying the
independence that comes with being two. David was strapped into his blue Graco
stroller. The one we used for him when he was a toddler, now a few sizes too
small. His lanky five-year-old legs sprawled past the foot rest and touched the
floor. Although a tight fit, he was contained. Our only assurance he wouldn’t
make a mad dash from the building.
He was
chewing a small, white towel. The one we used to manage his chewing compulsion
and keep his Sunday shirt from developing holes.
Jeff, an
especially kind man in our ward, passed by. After greeting Rob and I, he
hunched down in front of the stroller and attempted to connect with David.
Immune to his attempts, David stared away.
Jeff then picked up the dry end of the towel
hanging from David’s mouth, and put it in his own mouth. David’s eyes widened
with delight. Jeff now had his full attention.
Together they played a game of
tug-of-war, each clenching a corner of the towel between their teeth.
Rob and I
smiled at each other and then we laughed as the game ended. David took the
well-soaked, soggy corner from his own mouth and held it up to Jeff’s—rewarding him with his favorite oral companion.
Not only had Jeff taken the time to
connect with David, but he’d won his heart.
I loved Jeff for loving David.
I loved Jeff for loving David.
When people are kind to David I feel
Heavenly Father’s love for me. It’s easy for others to look away and pretend they
don’t notice him. Some refrain from interacting with him out of feeling awkward
or uncomfortable. They politely keep their distance out of not wanting to
interfere or give offense.
Then there are those who amaze me.
They go out of their way to interact with my son, even when he doesn’t respond
or tries to avoid them.
I feel God’s love through their kind actions.
