A Blue Rose

I received this email from a friend and it immediately struck me that I have a "Blue Rose" in my family. 

Until this year, Spencer's Autism hasn't been nearly as noticeable, but now I can truly see how different he is from other children.  He never knows a stranger, and he loves everyone, which is rare for children with his condition.  So, I've substituted his name in this touching story:

A Blue Rose

Having four visiting family members, my wife was very busy, so I offered to go to the store for her to get some needed items, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags, detergent and Clorox. So off I went.

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies and headed for the checkout counter, only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about six-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here."

It was obvious now, he was developmentally challenged and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?"

"My name is Spencer, he stammered, and I'm shopping with my mommy," he responded proudly.

"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Spencer, but my name is Steve."

"Steve, like Stevarino?" he asked.  "Yes," I answered. "How old are you Spence?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle.

"You're almost nine Sweetheart; now be a good boy and let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to the lad for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his  eyes dance with excitement, because he was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Spencer's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him.

I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's Garden; however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Spencer is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop and smell that flower with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?"

Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but I sure love living in God's garden."

She reached out, squeezed my hand and said, "God bless you!" and then I had tears in my eyes.

May I suggest, the next time you see a BLUE ROSE, don't turn your head and walk off. Take the time to smile and say Hello. Why? Because, by the grace of GOD, this mother or father could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece or nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.

From an old dandelion!  Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

"People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel!"   ANON.

If this story blesses you today, please consider sharing it with others.

Note from Ginger:  I thank the person who originated this touching story...it certainly got across exactly how I feel about my grandson and I how I hope people will treat him as he matures.