The Magic Ball
I am a mom of an Autistic child and, although he is high-functioning, when something sets him off, it can be epic. One day we had one of those epic afternoons as he was tired and overwhelmed. We just left the grocery store where he did not get the candy he asked for or a toy and he was just about to go into full meltdown mode. I made my way out of the store as quickly as I could, threw my groceries in the van, and then proceeded to try to get him out of the cart and into the car. Just like a cat being put into a bathtub, he stretched his arms and legs out so I could not wiggle him into the vehicle. There was a woman next to me who, just loud enough for me to hear, said, "You need to learn to control your child!" With his meltdown ensuing in the crowded parking lot, fear of him running off and this woman's words, I began to cry. I tried my best to hide it, but I just couldn't control my emotions as I continued to fight with him. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a young gentleman running toward me. As every special needs mother fears, I thought he was going to give me his two cents on the matter, as well. But, to my surprise, he held out a multi-colored tennis ball, waving it in front of my son, and telling him that it had magic powers that he would be able to see if he took it home. With that, he handed my son the ball. I was able to get him into the car and took the shortcut to get home. That gentleman will be forever in my thoughts; that very brief moment he took made all the difference to me! What an act of kindness!!!!!