Last Thursday I had a really bad day. Started out good. Ended crappy.
My son had been on spring break all that week and I'd been trying to find the right combination of blogging, keeping up on my housewife duties 🙂 and keeping him occupied with fun activities fitting of a spring break.
By Thursday, I was feeling that blogging was overshadowing any spring break festivities, so I decided to take him to the Conservatory to see their butterfly exhibit.
Doesn't that sound wonderful? Casually walking through a whole room full of trees, flowers and waterfalls while hundreds of butterflies flitted about. Ahhh.
Nope, it was a zillion and one little kids talking in their outside voices, running around and knocking into us.
OK, I realize it was probably confusing to the kids that they were inside, but it looked like outside, but they were really inside. But it's still not necessary to act like you're on a playground.
All was fine though. Loud, but fine.
Until we had one kid around the age of 8 come over to me and ask me if my son was dead. His mom was two feet away and feigned deafness.
Ten minutes later, another little kid asked his Mom in a very loud voice, what was WRONG with that kid? Again, the mom obviously heard her child, yet she never apologized for her child nor did she correct her child.
And BTW, there is nothing WRONG with my son! He is different. What the heck is wrong with you I said to the kid (in my own head, of course)?
So that pretty much put a damper on our fun. Normal kids being rambunctious kids is one thing, outright rudeness being overlooked by their moms is another.
Enter Mr. Clown.
On a donkey, no less.
The next morning my son and I decided to go to the antique mall to see what was happening there. I was still in a pissy mood from the day before.
I walk around and see a few things that I am interested in, but oddly enough they are all in the glass cabinets. I don't know about you, but if I have to ask to see something, I just don't.
But these were sort of fun items, so I went ahead and found the guy with the keys and had him unlock the cabinets.
One of the items I was interested in was the clown.
But after seeing him outside of the cabinet, I realized that he had a hole in his head.
Nothing creepier than a clown. Add a hole in his head and we're at a whole other creepiness level.
I told the gentleman that I didn't think I wanted him.
Well, it ended up being his own glass case and he said he'd really like to give it to my son. For FREE.
He sort of blew me away. It was such a nice gesture (let's forget the creepiness of said clown for a second).
So the gentleman at the antique mall and Mr. Clown changed my world.
Two days. Two different ways to treat the disabled. I pick the way of the clown.
Shabby chic Sandy
As you can imagine I love this post. Kids can be so cruel..and it is worse that their parents aren't any better. There has been many times that kids will mention how much Gage and Wyatt look exactly alike and then say, "What happened to him?" pointing at Gage. I just explain it to them. Most of the time they just want to know why he is in the wheelchair. But then on the other hand...I feel kind of freaked out at all the kids and adults that will say "Hi Gage" when we are out in public. It kinda freaks me out that people know Gage that I don't know. Overprotective Mom I guess. I think the world is getting better though there are still some insensitive ones like the one you mentioned. I love the clown story. It is so weird...it could be worth money! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your story!
Musings from Kim K.
You are an awesome mom. I wish everyone had the heart of the man at the antique mall. Hugs!
Tricia
I'm so sorry that you and your son had to go through that. I almost think that the behavior of the parents is worse than that of their children. How can they not say anything to them about their comments? It's nice that you were able to encounter some kindness the following day...too bad more people aren't like that.
Linda @ A La Carte
Pam I am so sorry this happened to you and your son. Also that these parents lost a great opportunity to teach their children kindness and that not everyone is the same. I know my daughter will teach my Grandson these things, she works with disabled children herself. Thank goodness for the kindness shown by the antique owner even if it is kinda a 'creepy' clown! 🙂 hugs, Linda
Sherry@Back2Vintage
So glad that kindness won out!!! You are a GREAT MOM!!!
TracyMB @ Crows Feet Chic
Hugs to you both. It always amazes me how the actions of strangers has such an effect on us - good and bad. I wish more people were the clown givin' type. I sure hope that the mothers of those children went home and thought about their inaction and the opportunity they missed to teach their children an important lesson. I'm so glad the clown day trumped the conservatory day and I'm with you -- public places are not playgrounds.
I almost said something to two women in a store yesterday who's kids were running and screaming like they were at the park. It really takes away from other folk's enjoyment. There is a time and place for everything. There is no time and place for ignorance -- I really do hope those mothers do better next time. xo
Jean Poylini
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The Other Mrs. Miller
That creepy looking clown got a whole lot better looking after reading your whole post.
Polly McCormick
I give you such credit for thinking those words in your head rather than saying them to that rude kid. I'm sorry you had such a bad day at the Conservatory, that should always be a beautiful experience. So good to hear that there's still good guys left in this world too! Go antique mall employee!! Hope you love your new{old} oil cans!!
Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads
Pam,
When I was teaching, I got so tired of telling kids how they should behave. In my experience, so many parents want to be their kid's buddy, not their parent! So sad, but I'm glad that the kindness of another stranger turned your day around for the better!
Jane
Pam, I'm just catching up on blog reading and came across this post. It is really sad that adults would rather turn their heads than take an opportunity to talk with their children about disabilities and the challenges that people face. I can't begin to express how much I admire you. As Bruce's disease progressed I became his sole caregiver and I know first hand how difficult that role is. But as difficult as I know things have to be at times, your positive attitude shines through in every post. You have such a wonderful sense of humor and it is always a pleasure to drop by your blog and see what you've been up to. You are truly an inspiration! I'm glad you and your son had a more enjoyable 2nd day while out shopping. The kindness of the vendor does put back a little faith in mankind. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Jane
Maureen
I just found you today and have added your button to my blog list so I will be sure to return. But I just wanted to say, you will always remember that kind gentleman when you look at that clown.
The awful parents of the rude kids? You'll forget them.
One nice person makes up for ten bad ones.
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
I pick the way of the clown, too, Pam...wonderful post! XO
JunkStuffTreasures
Shame on those parents. Children can be forgiven, but adults should know better. What a perfect teaching moment that would have been to explain that people are people/everyone is different.
I have an autistic son and in the past, I have gone over to adults who were staring and asked (well, maybe confronted) them about their rude behavior. Life is hard enough, who needs additional stresses?
I'm glad you found a "friend" in the antiques booth owner.