Olga Button

Spread The Word for Olga

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

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!!!

19 comments:

Stephanie said...

AWWW, I love it. How could anyone remain grumpy with Miss Ella smiling at them. Who knows what was going on in that mans life... and Ella put a little sunshine in it for him.

I tell ya these kids are as close to seeing God as we're going to get in this world... they are pure love!

Emily said...

Oh... sweet stories! I'd have to agree with you all the way! Blessings, blessings, blessings!

Kelly said...

They truly are blessings filled with alot of sunshine!!!! Love this!

The VW's said...

I love this post! And, I totally agree!

My son once asked me if it was possible if Jesus had Down syndrome. I thought that he was crazy for a minute, but then I realized that he was comparing the way that Jesus acts to how his brother acts.....those with DS definitely teach us all important lessons and are far better people in my opinion!

If I saw Ella in a doctor's office, she would definitely make my day! :)

Lacey said...

Oh you know she has stolen our hearts, expecially Tanner! He wants to bring her home!

Kelli said...

What a cutie and a blessing! How could you not smile and wave back at your lil' cutie :)

Mary said...

So very true! I havent' encountered very many people that don't melt when they get a big hi and a smile from Riley. He has started even being louder if someone doesn't respond to him right a way... like he knows they are ignoring him and he won't have it so he just gets louder and lounder until they engage.

Heidi said...

So true! There have been many times when Joel has brightened someone's day just with his smile or "hi". Ella is such a cutie I can't imagine not smiling around her! What a blessing she is to everyone around her!

Lori said...

I agree -- such amazing blessings we have been given! Who's day wouldn't be brightened by a smiling Miss Ella? =)

Tausha said...

That is so sweet. Sam loves to look everyone in the eye. Can't wait until he can say Hi to them. When the kids are having a bad day I always have them come sit on the couch and hold Sam and play with him and everytime they leave much more peaceful and feeling much better. They just have a way with people don't they. What a blessing they truly are.

Julie said...

Well, it's mutual. I love your daughter. What a sweet-heart!

Michelle Z said...

Who could resist little Ella!? She's such a doll! Ruby does the same thing in waiting room & at the pharmacy - she befriends everyone :)

kecia said...

soo true sooo true! I have felt this many times! The blessings are endless with these little ones!

Anne and Whitney: Up, Down and All Around said...

love it! her smile is just the best :) keep smiling ella!!!!!!

Kelli said...

She really is a blessing. I agree, Lindey can just light up a waiting room and put smiles on faces anytime we are out shopping.

Kim said...

Such a cute outfit! Ella and Mattie have great taste in clothes! So funny that they have a couple of identical outfits.

Isn't it great how they just can add a little sunshine into everyone's day? Mattie waves and says Hi to just about everyone.

Ella is an adorable blessing!

teacher said...

It's great that she can bring so many smiles. She's such a cutie! And such the social butterfly! :)

Kele said...

I love this post Denise! You are so right, what angels we have... I am always so proud of how sweet and happy Presley is where ever we go.
I can imagine the smiles Ella brings to every person she meets!
Kiss that precious girl for me, please!
Miss ya!

Alan Anderson said...

I wholeheartedly agree - and I love waiting rooms for that very reason - to see how many people Carter can make smile. It truly is amazing - we are so lucky!