Yes, he was mine and yes I was embarrsed!
Five year olds can really make you stop and think..........opened mouth sometimes!
It was a hot August day in Oklahoma. I was a young mother of two sons with one more on the way. I dreaded the day the moment I woke up! Not only was it going to be hot; but I had a pediatrician appointment for my son and a prenatal one for myself.
I think to really appreciate this day, you would have to be walking in my shoes. My feet were swollen as well as my belly, one child crying and fussy from an ear ache and the other fussing because he didn't want to get shots for school.
I was looking forward to getting back home, kicking off my shoes and putting on some cartoons for my two son's. I had plans of maybe laying back down for a nap. I worked nights most usually and I needed some rest. Yep one of those days!
The baby sitter was sick so I was on my own for the day. We had to park a ways from the clinic and walk. By the time I got inside I was drenched! The kids were even more fussy if that were possible.
I think they had triple booked every doctor in the building. The halls and waiting room were full! Everyone was looking about as pleased as I was at that point.
We had a wait for almost an hour. I did all I could to entertain both my sons so they wouldn't want to run and make pests of themselves. I had books in the diaper bag ready to read and set about trying to keep them quite.
Our time came and I was more than thankful it was almost over.......
My oldest son, Joshua was cute as could be. He never met a stranger! Always voiced his own mind. He always had a smile to give and waved at everyone that he saw. He would start talking to anyone and tell all he knew. Be it private or not! I had my hands full that was for sure.
We went into the room, again to sit for another several minutes. The doctor finely came in and did all the usual things. He checked my sons eyes, nose, throat and lungs. He had his nurse bring in the shots and I thought we are out of here! Then he just had to do it.
He asked how he had been doing. Now, you never asked Josh anything you didn't want or expect an answer to. I figured we would be stuck here for at least several more minutes listening to his version of his world.
After another fifteen minutes and a cute band aide to cover his injection site, we was ready to go.
On the way out walking through the halls, it happened!
I had Stephen in his carrier and Josh trudging along behind and tugging at my hand. Why was he being so slow! I had already promised we could grab a Happy Meal on the way home and maybe even stop at the park to eat it so they could play.
I re-shifted everything and stopped to see what was wrong. All along the walls were chairs. Josh had caught the eye of a rather large black lady. She looked like a sweet little grand motherly type. She was smiling at Josh and they were both waving at each other. I turned back to smile at her and pass a couple of pleasantry's to her. I told Josh we needed to go and to wave bye so we could leave.
We were doing good up to the point of leaving. As we walked away, no more than ten steps from her Josh stopped dead in his tracks. I stopped to ask what was wrong. There is where I made my biggest mistake!
With out batting an eye or catching his breath, he said rather loudly as he pointed back towards the lady.
"Mommy, She sure is dirty don't you think you need to tell her to take a bath"!
Before I had a chance to put my hand over his mouth, he added even more!
"Look at her face and hands, they sure are dirty".
What do you say at a time like that!?
I became beet red in the face, temperature had nothing to do with it!
I told her how very sorry I was, that he wasn't trying to be rude.
We lived way in the country and I guess he had never really noticed a person other than white before! I explained this to her and she was very gracious and kind to me as well as to my son.
She asked him to come over and she sat him on her lap. She asked his name and told him hers. Then she took his little fingers in hers and told him, "baby this isn't dirt. Its not just surface but skin deep."
She let him rub her face and arms and smiled all the time. I had sat Stephen down so I could watch on in wonder. She could have been mad or took offense, but she choose to do a very wise thing that day.
She showed my son compassion and understanding. I remember her to this day. I still see her face, smiling as we walked away.
I wasn't ashamed of his comments so much as ashamed that I hadn't taken the time to help him see the differences in our world. Somehow my steps were lighter as we walk away and I too had a smile.
We went on to get our Happy Meal and for them to play.
I wish I could go back again and hug her up and say.......
Yep. They calls 'em like they sees 'em, don't they?
This is a great story, made especially so because of the reaction and wonderful heart of the woman. I smiled as I read it. What a wonderful heart she has. That compassion will carry her into the hearts of all.
Al;right-Alraight-Alright, Geez, where do I start g/f T- /What a Life story you had ahead of you that day, and lessons of plenty to learn along the way- : ) Awesome re-endition of your 1 memory worth the mention-! Josh huh, Out of the Mouth of Babes is right-Where Innocense runs it's fury speed- I'm glad she took time, and I cried reading this 1/2 way down- you know, the way I see it and let me do explain- : ) That day when rain soaked clothes, hrs of waiting, and frustration after another, Not forgetting the pain you were feeling, in your legs... God rewarded you and your boys--- YOu allowed Josh to go and speak and BOND *( through hearts- A memory he will never forget- I bet) One that left a mark on his heart and soul and yours, from how you told it- When you walked away- it was then God said- She took the time to speak to a lonely women of color *(only in the mind 4 sure- their hearts are pure too) and as you walked away- YOU had peaceeeeeee in your heart and Soul- it was he - he put it there and Josh for his spirit w/ Jesus also made happen- This is a keeper- YOu told it well, in your writing form too-- I thouroughly enjoyed adn this would go great in a childs book about -Manners- and Feelings--- Good lUck -get it out- it needs a more larger Audience- : ) Sweetly&Peacefully,Sheee
