Our family went to the Copper Tap Restaurant for dinner. On the way in, we spotted some familiar faces. Two of the teachers from Little Stars (a school for autistic children that our son Ryland used to attend) were enjoying an evening out. School has just ended for summer break and these ladies were kicking off the one week they will enjoy before summer programs begin. Little Stars holds a special place in our hearts, as do the wonderful people that work there After saying hello, we sat down for dinner. I immediately asked our server to send a round of drinks to those ladies and put it on our tab. If anyone deserves a couple drinks and a night off, it's those that dedicate themselves to people with special needs.
As we were being seated, Ryland had a little meltdown. He has come so far with behavior in restaurants. In fact, these days, he's pretty much a breeze. But things didn't use to be that way. A couple of years ago, I had some cards made up and started a facebook page. I wanted people to be able to connect a face and a person with what autism is and how it can manifest itself. It was a way for me to spread awareness, understanding and acceptance. I would hand them out whenever the situation presented itself for sharing. Most often, when we would sit close to another table at a restaurant. I would place a card at their table and say "We'll be sitting right next to you this evening. Thank you for your understanding." I did this last night to the couple sitting beside us, right after Ryland's little meltdown. He was great the rest of the meal, not one other problem.
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| Front side of cards |
That couple left a few minutes before we did. As we were finishing up, our server informed us that they had paid our bill for the evening. What? I was shocked. And immediately moved to tears. What an amazing gesture! And not just because our bill would have been quite hefty, we ourselves ordered dinner and drinks and remember I had added a round for the Little Stars teachers! But because, what they really did was show unbelievable kindness, understanding and love. Without saying a word, they showed me that they understood. They cared. They loved.
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| Back side of cards |
I will never be able to fully express how this gesture made me feel.
And I will never forget it.
Thank you, complete strangers, for making me cry.
And for restoring my faith in humanity.
And this stranger couple says YOU ARE WELCOME. I finally had a chance to revisit your card that you left us. We will also never forget the moment that we realized that life is SO much bigger than ourselves. My husband and I were blessed and HONORED to be able to pay for your meal and what is awesome is that the blessing carried over for the teachers! For a long time, I was the "starer" or "rolled eyes" but then my former schoolmate introduced me to her son who had autism. I had never been more ashamed in my life to think back on all of those times that there might have been other obstacles they were facing. The moment that we saw Rylee and his small melt down moment, I immediately remembered my friends suggestion to analyze the situation. Right after, you had laid your card down on our table and my heart smiled because it was a major growing point in mine and my husband's life. Your son had an impact in the current moment and we wanted to thank him. If all we ever had to do to show you how much respect we have for your love and patience with Rylee was pay your check, we would continue to pay tenfold.
ReplyDeleteWe wish you all the best and many more blessings to come!
-Your fellow Florida Friends