Waiting Room Smiles

How special is it to have a child with Down syndrome? Well, the other day, I realized…..it’s a lot special!! It really is the simple things. When I had Ella at the lab to get her monthly blood draw the other day, of course there was a room full of people in the waiting room. No one wants to be there, but they are. So what does Ella do, she makes it a point to make eye contact with each person and then says “hi” while waving. Instant smiles from each person. I know it’s not much, but I consider it just a little sunshine in their day. Of course then I take her back to get her blood drawn in which she proceeds to scream while they do it. Then as we walk out of the office through the waiting room, she gets all of these sympathy smiles and comments. Personally, I think she makes friends so that she can be soothed later.

Then later that day, I had to go to the doctor for that dreaded yearly exam. My sister came with and was sitting in the lobby with Ella. She told me that at one point, there was an elderly “grumpy” man who sat down near them. Then Ella does what she does best….she says “hi” with a little wave and next thing you know, the man lights up and starts talking away to her. Who knows what sadness, fear or anger may have been in that man’s heart at the time but Ella knew just how to make him forget it for a little while. I am just in constant awe of the little Blessing that she is!!!