In Times Of Trouble A Child Said To Me...

Sometimes the seemingly little things are really huge, and when things are less good than you hoped, they are amazingly important - they keep you focused on who we are as Americans.

I was out running errands the other day when I decided to stop and grab a burger at Wendy’s. I was looking forward to having what I consider the best burger ever - a double-double (with cheese and onions only)! As it turned out I got so much more.

As I was walking up to the door of Wendy’s a man and woman about my age and a young lady who looked to be about 10 were walking out. The young lady who was rubbing her hands together, stopped, looked at me with a big smile and said “they have hand lotion!” A little startled, I stopped, looked at her and said “really?” She shook her head up and down with that big smile and said “yes! They do!”

Then the young lady turned serious and said “they do not have pop!” I replied “No pop, are you sure?” She shook her head up and down and said “yes, no pop!” At this point the man, who I believe was her Grandfather, said “diet coke.” Without a second thought the young lady looked at me and said “Yes, no Diet Coke pop!” I looked at her and asked “should I complain?” The young lady thought for a moment and said no they have “other pop.” At that point the older lady (grandmother I believe) took the young lady’s hand and told her they had to go. So with a “goodbye,” a smile, and a wave the two ladies started off.

Before following, the Grandfather thanked me, told me the young lady is autistic, and I made her day by talking to her. I said something along the lines of don’t mention it, my pleasure and we went our separate ways.

As I ate my double-double (cheese and onions only) I kept thinking about that brief conversation that lasted no more than a minute or two. How the young lady was eager to share the knowledge she obtained, her friendly and earnest manor, and her infectious smile. I don’t remember how my double-double (cheese and onions only) tasted. I do remember the happiness this chance encounter with the young lady with the big smile brought me.

I think about this encounter often and always with a sense of wonder that a child could bring so much joy. And sadness that there are some that believe those with autism are somehow less than they.

Did I make her day as her Grandfather said? I don’t know. I do know the young lady made mine.