An Angel in Wendy’s
I read a blog tonight that reminded me of an experience I had with a server at a fast food restaurant. I thank you for the inspiration http://blessedwithastarontheforehead.wordpress.com. Reading what you wrote tonight made me remember my story. So here I am to tell it, I went away for the long weekend with my kids and we were out of our routine. With my youngest son having SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) too many transitions, lack of self regulation, and the busy noise of the world can be a lot for him to handle. I try my best to keep us on routine with his sensory “diet” but all the newness of people, places, things, can cause issues for him. We had gone out for lunch to Wendy’s and it was very busy. I was with my brothers so I went up with my kids to order. There was a long line up and I was praying we’d be served quickly. My oldest son was doing his best to keep his brother occupied, by singing and making silly faces. That’s when it all started as my son threw himself on the floor. I felt the judgmental looks, heard the angry whispers, instantly as my out of control child started reacting to his environment. I picked him up and held him the best I could. Holding my toddler is like holding a bag of snakes! Then he started shrieking which starts out as singing, yelling, and then full blown “stimming” as he seeks out sensory input. A sensory meltdown is what ensues if I can’t help regulate and calm him. It’s hard for me not to be embarrassed even though I’ve been through it before. I avoid restaurants for this very reason, as well as all the judgement that follows.
And then our server appeared and she smiled and said “you look like you could use some help Mom.” I smiled and said “you have no idea how much I’d appreciate that.” She took our order and talked to my son like he was the most fascinating person she’d had ever seen. She also gave him a cup to play with. He just beamed at her with his sweet smile and stopped shrieking. I breathed a sigh of relief and I felt everyone around me did as well. I got my food and sat down to eat and my brother said “I don’t know how you do it.” I replied “I don’t think about it, I just get it done.” After we ate I went up to say thank you, and my server said she had been there before, and remembered what it was like. I smiled and said it was a blessing all the same and she was making a difference in the world. I left the restaurant and buckled my kids in their seats, and I heard someone calling my name. I turned around and it was wonderful her, she came up to thank me. She asked me if I’d fill out a comment card, as her boss said she needed to be recognized. I agreed not only for her excellent customer service, but her compassion as well. I looked at her name tag after introducing myself and saw her name was Angel. I gave her a big hug and went on my way hopeful that I could get through another tough day. When I wanted to cry and run away and hide my son from all that negativity. It takes seconds to return a smile, and a lifetime to forget ones never given. Thank you Angel for being an angel that day, and your cup of kindness. ❤️
Beautiful. Angels are all around us it seems. Maybe we just don’t cone across them.
Thank you Mira, I have always believed that too. ?
This post has helped me put my day into perspective. Thank you.
Awe that’s so sweet! I’m glad, thank you for for reading. ?
🙂
Great story!
Thank you so much. ?
My toddler doesn’t have SPD and has meltdowns just the same but for different reasons. She is TOO comfortable in new surroundings & does not understand that their are limitations to her surroundings different from at home. Every great mom has had to deal with evil eyes probing our techniques because people lose their character in public & take on the character of society instead, casting judgement & making presumptions under false pretenses. It’s nice to see someone rise above the lowered standards we hold in public & help someone in need with whole-hearted intentions.
Yes I totally agree sista!!! Im always searching out the sympathetic eyes or a small smile in the crowd. This lets me know I’m not alone in the world. Ive dealt with the nasty looks, unveiled contempt and judgement, and my fuse has gotten shorter and my filter thinner. I will not allow people with negative opinions to dictate my parenting skills. I’m doing the best I can, and I thank you for your support and encouragement. It means a lot to me that you got my back. ?
ALWAYS got your back, no matter how far apart we are. I commend you for continuing to put yourself out there knowing that the worst possible scenario is always looming around the corner! Many families have insisted themselves & avoid these possibilities all together, But you are courageous, strong, & self-assured, continuing to try just one more time… how could I not praise you as the amazing mother you are!
Oh thank you for your beautful kindess. Reading this has brought me to tears. Thank you for recognizing my efforts. I know the world won’t protect and shield my son when its too busy, loud, bright, and overwhelming. So I have to try to introduce things to him slowly at his pace. Then he can develop coping skills instead of fear and anxiety. He won’t ever grow out of his SPD but he can grow into it and adapt. Thank you my beautiful friend for understanding me so well. ?
This is a wonderful reminder how much of an impact compassion and kindness can have on someones day.
Thank you for sharing this story 🙂
Thank you hon, for the beautiful compliment. My beloved Mama used to say “smile, God’s watching. ?❤️