It’s important to notice others – especially when they’re special. Special can however mean a variety of things. This story is testament to that. It was an ordinary day at the store for one mother and her mentally challenged son. But when a perfect stranger takes the time to speak to the teenage son, it becomes a very special day for everyone. A day they would never forget. The man, named Hal, told the story later through his Facebook page and the post has since spread like wildfire. Please read and share his beautiful words so we can together make the world a warmer place.
Here is the original Facebook post written by Hal Steenson from Johnston City, Illinois :
Why do I always have to be the one who starts to do laundry and there’s no detergent? I guess it was time for me to do my “Dollar Store” run, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags and Clorox. So off I go.
I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the checkout counter only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that 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 shocked 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 Hal.” “Hal like Halloween?” 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, pink and yellow 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 or 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 “daffodil or maybe even a dandelion,” but I sure love living in God’s garden.
If this story in any way warmed your heart, please consider sharing it today. Remember. People forget what you said and what you have done, but not how you made them feel.
You can visit Hal Steenson’s Facebook page here.
Published by Newsner, please like.
