My son David has Down Syndrome. He is moderately effected, not high functioning, but certainly more capable than many with an extra chromosome. His speech and language is very limited, but with effort he can make himself understood by those with the patience to listen and wait. Many good people have contributed to the quality of life that David enjoys. I am grateful to you all. What I am also coming to appreciate is that David is contributing to the quality of many others lives.
One of my missionary friends had occasion to observe David at his work station in the cafeteria. He was assigned to watch the system that returns dirty dishes to the dish room. If someone puts their tray in wrong he fixes it so everything keeps moving. He stands in a little alcove and greets the people who come through to drop off their dishes. My friend saw him talk to the people, sometimes asking their names, shaking their hands, and giving them one of his winning smiles. She said everyone who walked out was wearing a big grin.
David's cousin Ed came to visit recently. As I drove him to the airport he told me how much he had enjoyed getting to know David and how he was not what he expected.
We had a quick but wonderful visit from our former Bishop from back home, Dennis Pyper. Dennis was in town for a family reunion and took time to see us (read David). He has been an amazing friend to David all his life, but especially since Sheldon's passing, taking him places, bringing him treats, tying his tie on Sundays. Once I asked him why, and he simply replied, "I love him."
I enjoying watching David with the missionaries in my zone. They enjoy greeting him each morning at prayer meeting, and if he is absent one day, everyone asks why and says how much they miss him.
We went to see the movie "Toy Story 3" this week. David of course being a serious fan had to wear his "Woody" costume. He walked into the crowded theater as if he owned it, celebrity fashion, greeting the people, taking bows. It touched me to see the warmth with which his showmanship was received, and the genuine smiles it put on their faces.
Not everyone is so accepting of David. I have witnessed him being treated with disdain and even disgust, impatience and disregard. I am starting to think that appreciating him, with all his quirks and limitations is a kind of litmus test for the rest of us. True followers of Christ will remember that what we do unto one of the least of God's children is counted as being done unto Him.
:'-)
ReplyDelete