Skip to main content

Missed Moments


After Ben's big baseball game on Saturday, we drove to the mountains to pick apples at Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock, NC. It was one of the most perfect days for it - blue skies, not too hot, not too cool. As soon as Ben was out of the car, he found a seat on the grass overlooking the playground and orchards and enjoyed the view. A few times he moved closer to where kids were playing, but for the most part he was content to sit and watch.

A man who was there with his three grandchildren came and sat right next to Ben in the grass. He asked Ben his name. Ben leaned over to this man, named David, and gave him the most tremendous hug, lasting at least a minute. David's grandchildren walked slowly by, staring, and the man said to them, "When you walk by someone without saying hello, you never know what you might miss out on."

Thanks David for the lesson.

Comments

  1. Sandie-Matthew's MomSeptember 17, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    Thank you for sharing that very special and very eye-opening, inspiring moment. That moment (and true story) is definitely worth a million moments of meditation, resulting in some very awesome future moments.

    ReplyDelete
  2. VMISeptember 18, 2012 at 7:37 AM

    Many people are sending me messages about this story - and it is amazing how Ben draws in the most amazing people. And he is not free with his hugs - he only gives them to people who are deserving of one.

    This summer, while on vacation, we were in the pool. An entire family came up to Ben and me and shared their story with us. Their 11 year old boy with CP died a few years ago. Ben reminded them of their son and they loved seeing Ben happy enjoying the pool. I asked them what their son's name was and they said "Ryan". I told them that Ben's middle name was Ryan. They thought that was a good coincidence. All of a sudden, Ben jumped from my arms and gave the father a big hug. How did Ben know he needed a hug? Ben does not jump into any stranger's arms. A truly memorable and inspiring moment. Ben attracts wonderful people into our lives, people we would have passed by...

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you for reading my post. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. If you wish to contact me directly, please let me know and I will email you.

Popular posts from this blog

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities

  "Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities" is a series on eSpeciallyBen. As Ben approached 18, it was clear our role changed as parents. We needed to help Ben transition into adulthood. These stories are meant to assist other families who face, or will face, some of the same challenges. Talking About the Future Guest Post - Matt Wilson Legal Guardianship, Medicaid and SSI Researching Group Homes Questions to Ask at a Group Home Visit Referral Packet for Group Homes Getting Assistance from a Care Manager From Group Home Placement to Discharge Reaching for Independence
1 comment
Read more

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

After my post, Brotherly Love , I received an email from a reader who reminded me of this song. I knew the song, but had never really thought about the words and the meaning behind them. I looked it up and thought others might see the lyrics in a new light.   He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother The road is long With many a winding turn That leads us to who knows where Who knows when But I'm strong Strong enough to carry him He ain't heavy, he's my brother. So on we go His welfare is of my concern No burden is he to bear We'll get there For I know He would not encumber me If I'm laden at all I'm laden with sadness That everyone's heart Isn't filled with the gladness Of love for one another. It's a long, long road From which there is no return While we're on the way to there Why not share And the load Doesn't weigh me down at all He ain't heavy, he's my brother. He's my brother He ain't h
1 comment
Read more

Kids Who Volunteer

On Saturday, Kidz That Care , a nonprofit organization in Charlotte, visited Ben's Easterseals UCP group home to "Pack the Pantry" with groceries and beautify the front porch with flowers. Ben joined the group outside and watched them plant poinsettias, sweep leaves and wipe down tables.  I wasn't sure how engaged Ben was in the activity but when I tried to take him for a walk, he made it clear he wanted to stay and observe. He hugged the one adult with the group (not the photo above).  When the group was leaving, Kidz That Care asked to take a photo with Ben. I noticed how Liam, one of the teen volunteers, kneeled next to Ben rather than stand behind him. Usually people not comfortable around Ben are hesitant to get close. I was impressed with Liam's willingness to bend down and be at his level. Then Ben leaned in for a hug and held on to Liam for several minutes. Ben's hands were tight around Liam's neck and he kept his head on Liam's shoulder. It w
Post a Comment
Read more