Monday, May 4 I had to take Caleb to the orthopedic surgeon's for a follow up appointment. He has a rare, but not completely uncommon for people with Down syndrome, neck instability. Because of this issue he is not allowed to participate in contact sports (makes dad sad) or go horse back riding (makes grandma sad) or do gymnastics (makes me sad). Any activities from heights or that could cause a whip lash motion are strictly forbidden because of the risk of spinal cord damage. He loves to run, bowl, swim, and play in the dirt - all very good activities for him to be a part of! While in the waiting room I was reminded of how beautiful Caleb's personality is! Let me set the stage for you...
Joshua and I spent the morning at a special needs play group. We had a bite to eat. Then I had to wake up Joshua from his nap and leave my house by 1 p.m. so I could pick Caleb up from school to make it to his 2:30 appointment. We barley made arrived on time. Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center is a very busy place so it was packed! Consequently we spend a solid hour in the waiting room. This clinic has several specialist in one "office" so the waiting area is huge. Caleb likes automatic doors so he spent most of the hour trying to open the door and run out. We also walked laps around the rows and rows of chairs and people. I am sure everyone knew Caleb's name and did not envy my efforts to keep up with him! I even had a parent ask me if he had autism. In a clinic this size there are children of all shapes, sizes, and special issues.
In the midst of this chaos and stress Caleb reminded me that love is the most beautiful gift! As we paced up and down the waiting room Caleb would stop and touch someone or hug a baby. But Caleb's love does not discriminate. He walked right up to a young man in a wheel chair. This young fellow is blind and has virtually no use of any limbs. Most kids (and adults I am sure) would have been afraid of his chair and physical abnormalities. People spend their energy trying not to stair, I know I have been on both sides I am sad to say. Not Caleb! He came right up to Alex and gave him a huge hug and even tried to kiss him on the cheek. As I stood and talked to his mother Caleb remained next to Alex with one hand on his shoulder. Caleb stood touching Alex in the most relaxed natural fashion, like they had know each other for years. We learned that Alex is 15 years old and is now completely blind, but that he can hear realy well. We "talked" with Alex as well. Caleb did not care what Alex's issues are he just wanted to show love! Caleb did not care who was looking or what Alex looked like. He was just being Caleb... hugging anyone he felt like hugging. Caleb especially loves men (he calls them all Daddy - now that is embarrassing) and Alex was no exception. What a kid! He can show love with out regard to out ward appearances or preconceptions.
I am ashamed to say that would have not stopped to talk to Alex. Now I will. I would have not touched him, and I would have never tried to hug him... I am shamed by my 5 and 1/2 year old son! Caleb did not care what Alex looked like or what his limitations are. This type of uninhibited love reminds me of the love God shows to us every day! We look at the out side and make judgements (too dirty, too foolish, too poor, too rich, too different) about why we won't even look in their direction. God sees past that and reaches out to touch them, but here's the catch... sometimes we are meant to be the hands God uses! Caleb is not a perfect child and that days was very stressful, yet God used Caleb to touch Alex with love. All it takes is a touch, a smile, a hug, a kind word, an acknowledgement...
I am so proud of my Caleb! There is so much I am learning from him!
