The world is a kind and beautiful place when you have an adorable toddler in a wheelchair.
Atti and I went to the farmer’s market together and I felt like I was the bouncer of a celebrity. It is not at all an exaggeration to say that I could barely do any shopping because so many people wanted to stop and talk. This is not an isolated occurrence. He attracts a whole lot of attention everywhere we go, and it’s not an unwelcome staring, it’s a supportive, smiling, “Look at him go!” kind of attention.
People rarely see such a little guy in a self-propelled wheelchair, and when they see him pushing those wheels all by himself, getting frustrated when I try and hold him back, trying and trying and trying again to steer the chair around obstacles, they light up like he’s a basket of puppies.
People stop me to tell me about their granddaughter or neighbor or friend who has a disability. They stop to ask about Atti’s future and wish him well. Children are super curious and their kind-hearted parents stop us to show their kids that there is nothing to fear and that they should be nice to kids in wheels. I love these parents with all my heart.
Even people who don’t mention Atti’s disability still show me more warmth than I’m used to. They show me simple kindnesses, say hello, strike up conversations. Having my challenges so obviously visible brings out a tenderness in people. I no longer get snapped at by cashiers or elbowed in line, I get people looking out for me, letting me go first, helping me with my things, meeting my eyes with support and sympathy.
And when another mom of another kid with special needs finds us? It’s like a joyful reunion. This wheelchair is like wearing a football jersey, telling the whole world exactly what team we’re on. And then other moms, whose kids might not be so obviously different, seek us out and we revel in team spirit.
Unfortunately, I suspect I might not feel so in love with the world if my child looked a little more different. If his disability affected the way he looked instead of the way he moved I might not get the same reaction. But I’m just going to be grateful for all the kindness I find in the world, and pray that it continues when he’s a little less adorable.