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 16 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 mentally 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 Denny and I’m shopping with my mother,” he responded
proudly. “Wow,” I said, “that’s a cool name; I wish my name was Denny,
but my name is Steve.” “Steve, like Stevarino?” he asked. “Yes,” I
answered.
“How old are you Denny?” “How old am I now, Mommy?”
he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle. “You’re
15 years old, Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by.” I
acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes
about summer, bicycles, and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with
excitement, because he was the center of someone’s attention.
He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section. Denny’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, Denny is a Blue Rose, and if someone doesn’t stop and smell
that rose 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, whatever differences that person may have,
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, nephew, or any other family
member. 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 the powers that be.
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel!”
I love this story. It is a great reminder. Thanks for sharing!
I thought so too! Thanks for commenting!