Friday, February 19, 2010

His World Is Good

It's 3:35 Friday afternoon...Matthew's bus arrives home as usual. The bus assistant puts his Friday treat in his hand, (a couple pieces of candy)makes sure that he has his jacket and Matthew responds with a hug. He turns and heads up the driveway, toward me standing at the front door. He see's me, he is smiling, he is happy...he's always, ALWAYS happy! His head is bobbing from side to side, his hands are flapping close to his face, he is making that shrieking noise...all of which he does when his world is good.

Today is just the same as yesterday...and that is exactly how he likes it. The cars that had been stopped by the flashing lights of the bus slowly begin to move. It has almost become somewhat of a game to watch and see how many of the drivers simply drive on...and how many are going to turn their head and stare at him as he bobs, flaps, and shrieks up the driveway. He is oblivious to all of this...all he can see is me standing at the door, waving and smiling back at him....all that matters is that today is the same as yesterday...and his world is good.

We got new neighbors recently and all this week they have been having their roof re-shingled. Today when Matthew got off the bus...not only did these 5 roofers stare at him...but they stopped what they were doing, and walked over to our driveway to get a closer look. You would think that after 21 years of being his mother, the stares would no longer make me uncomfortable...and to be honest, most of the time it truly doesn't. But occasionally, like today, I can't help it.

Now, it wasn't like they were laughing at him, or making fun...at least I don't think they were...but they were staring at my son like he was some kind of freak show. I felt my skin get hot, I felt that queasy feeling in my stomach and I felt like crying. For the first time in a VERY long time I felt like shouting, "What the hell are you staring at!?!" But...I didn't...he reached the door, handed me his candy and jacket, smiled sweetly and gave me a hug... just as he did yesterday...and my world is good.

11 comments:

  1. Oh Monica, This is just so precious. And you are just the best Mom with the sweetest heart! Pray for these pitiful souls, gal. They really are sad if they have to stoop to stuff like this to amuse themselves.

    You did so good by saying nothing! Don't know if I would be that controlled. Matthew is so blessed to have you...and of course vice-versa!!!!!

    Love you!
    Have a joyful week!
    Becky

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  2. My world is good knowing that there are people like you both in it...

    Been moving cross country, just landed, sorry I've been out of touch...

    Lots of love,
    Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner
    www.mawhats4dinner.com

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  3. Hi, Monica! Just stepping over from Dave's, and here is one of my favorite songs. Nice place, here!

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  4. Hey Alex...I was wondering where you were...
    I hope your move went smoothly...my husband was in the Air Force for 12 years and I remember vividly just how "fun" moving can be.

    Welcome Back! :)

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  5. Welcome Karen C... I am glad you stopped by and hope you will again anytime. :)

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  6. Thank you Becky...I just love Mr Matthew to pieces...he is the sweetest, most innocent person I know.

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  7. Ah, Monica - people who would be so rude...is their world good? I think not.

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  8. You are right Jan. Those jerks did seem pretty pathetic to me. Normally it doesn't bother me anymore...but sometimes it breaks my heart.

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  9. I know all about the stares. My mom had a stroke when I was 4. She had considerable brain damage which resulted in spastic movements. When ever we went out to eat it was my job to take her to the bathroom, everyone would stare. I was a kid and didn't know what to say, and had been raised not to say rude things but I did manage to learn the death stare back at them. People can be really mean and most of the time they don't even know it.

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  10. Hey Jen,

    Yep! that is exactly what I mean...and I believe you are right...most of the time people are not even aware of how they are making others feel.

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  11. Anyone who spends any time with Matthew at all, would soon find out what an angel he is! I don't care what kind of day I am having, seeing how happy he is, and the way his eyes light up (especially when he's being a bit mischevious!) always, ALWAYS puts a smile on my face and in my heart! I don't know whatever I will do when he graduates!!! :)

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