Unspoken Kinship

This past weekend, we visited our grandparents at the independent living community where they reside. As usual we were greeted by hellos and sweet smiles by the residents as we came through the lobby. Lilly always receives a lot of attention. Most people know us but sometimes you meet the new person confused as to why Lilly doesn’t say hi in response to them. It takes a couple of visits before they realize Lilly is “different”.

Saturday, they were having a Valentines dance and the dining hall was crowded. After spying grandma and grandpa, we made our way across the room. After being seated a few minutes, I noticed a new gentleman whispering in my mom’s ear. Then they both turned, smiling sweetly at Lilly.

After introducing himself he said he had been watching us. He knew something was wrong with Lilly and wanted to share something. This new friend told me a story of how his middle son was born with clubbed feet. Now this man is 91 years old. You would think things have changed, right? Maybe the medical technology but not the parent’s heart. He shared about the therapies, stretching and traveling they had to do for their son. Sound familiar? He wisely encouraged me to learn from our therapists because really we were her therapists at home.

Then he shared his heart. Never give up and never loose hope. He told me all about the amazing business man his son had become and the grandkids that followed. Then as tears welled up in his eyes, we talked about the struggles with guilt as parents. Guilt that one child is getting all the attention. Guilt over the time and money spent. And just like so many of us, his heart beamed as he spoke of the day his other children said they would have it no other way!

I felt so close to this stranger. That’s how I feel with any new friend that lives our life. Our children may have different diagnosis or we may be older or younger but I am just awe struck at the common threads that weave us all together. I’m so thankful for my new friends and family. We are truly never alone!