Sunday, July 05, 2015

A Blue Rose

Having four visiting family members, my wife was very busy, so I offered to go to the store for her to get some needed items. I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies and was headed for the checkout counter, only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about sixteen years old.

I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly.

"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Steve."

"Steve, like Stevarino?" he asked.

"Yes," I answered. "How old are you, Denny?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle.

"You're fifteen years old, Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement, because he was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure, and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's garden; however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a Blue Rose, and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?"

Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but I sure love living in God's garden."

She reached out, squeezed my hand and said, "God bless you!" -- and then I had tears in my eyes.

May I suggest, the next time you see a BLUE ROSE, don't turn your head and walk off. Take the time to smile and say Hello. Why? Because, by the grace of GOD, this mother or father could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece or nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.

From an old dandelion...

Live simply; Love generously; Care deeply; Speak kindly; and, Leave the rest to God.

If this story blesses you today, please consider sharing it with
others. "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."



5 comments:

Lois Evensen said...

Such a beautiful story.

Unknown said...

I have a 'Blue Rose' in my Sunday School class and she is one of the sweetest ladies I know. She is 52 years old, with the heart and mind of a 5 year old. Cant resist loving her.

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

Ahhh this one hit very close to my heart. My Buddy is that gorgeous blue rose. We feel blessed that he is amongst us.
Hope you and Abe are keeping well.

Lois Evensen said...

Hi Patty,

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

That sweet puppy in my sidebar is Wendy, now one year old. :) She's a wonderful addition to our family that includes two other Labrador Retrievers.

I'm so sorry to hear you were ill. I'm glad to hear you are better now.

All the best to you and Abe,
Lois

Winifred said...

Lovely story. People with children who have disabilities really appreciate you taking the time to speak to the. On our last cruise one night at dinner we met a young man with Downs Syndrome & enjoyed chatting to him. It was our pleasure. His dad looked after him alone as his wife had died a few years before, they were a lovely pair.