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The Gift Holiday Acceptance - "That Boy"

By
Real Estate Agent with Prudential California Realty

When I was a younger I often times had to work more than one job to make sure the bills were paid.  This was no big deal because I had lots of energy and it most of the time I managed to have pretty like-able jobs.

At one time, I was working at a bakery/cafe on the weekends and at night. It was fun, the people were nice and everyone was happy when they were coming in for a treat of a delicious cup of coffee, cookie, pie or cake.

One day, while I was working, I nice young dad came in with his little boy.  They were sweet, just as most of the customers were.  Then I noticed it; this sweet boy that couldn't even have been two years old, had no arms or legs.  He was happily held up in his dad's strong arms, without a care in the world.

cookieI tried to my shield my eyes that were welling up and asked the man in a slight whisper if I could give his son a cookie.  He said, "sure".  He later told me that was the first chopcolate chip cookie his son ever had and he loved it!  I felt good about bringing happiness to a sweet little boy that would undoubtedly have a tough life later.  I couldn't help thinking about that.....for a very long time.  Even now, I wonder how he is.

Some days later, I was with my son in the parking lot of the bakery and saw the man and his son. I said, "hello" and my son did what most four year olds probably would...He stared.

I was mortified and embarrassed.  He kept saying, "mom, mom, mom" and trying to get my attention.  I hurried him to the car.  The last thing they needed was another kid staring and asking questions.

"Mom, mom, mom" he kept on. I got him in the car, hoping they hadn't heard and once we were in, with the doors closed, I proceeded to lecture him about staring about people who are different and how hard his life probably is and so on.  After that, I FINALLY asked him what he wanted to tell me.

He said, in his sweetest voice, so selflessly, "Mom, I wanted to tell you that I felt bad for that boy and that I wish it was me with no arms and legs so that it wouldn't have to be him." I hugged him and showered him with kisses and we both cried.

That was 13 years ago and I cry every time I think of that day.  My son was not only accepting but he was wanting to take away the hurt of "that boy" and in turn, taught me something about acceptance.

Me and my boy

____________________________________________________________________________________

This Blog was written for the Positive Attitude for the Weary Soul's Holiday Acceptance.  There is a pretty good chance that I didn't hit the 500 word minimum but I really don't think I could have said anymore.  I am ok if I was in violation of contest rules...:o)

Cristal Drake - Realtor (R)...At Your Service for all your Fullerton area real estate needs!  RE/MAX North Orange County - 714-423-7525.  All information in my blogs is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Copyright 2008 all rights reserved. 

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Comments (19)

Alisha Harrison
John L. Scott, Belfair - Belfair, WA
Allyn, Belfair and Hood Canal real estate expert!

What a great blog. You must be so proud of your son. ~A:)

Dec 11, 2008 04:04 PM
Cristal Drake
Prudential California Realty - Fullerton, CA
Realtor - Fullerton Real Estate

Hi Alisha, yeah, he is pretty great if I do say so myself!  Even at 17 he is just the sweetest, most thoughtful soul. He is still 17 though so he can certainly be a pill too!

Dec 11, 2008 04:09 PM
Don Rogers
Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield - O'Fallon, MO
Realtor, Broker, CDPE, GRI, OnullFallon MO & St Charles County MO homes

Cristal,

I do not believe that there is anything else that could be added, you have said it all.

Dec 11, 2008 08:12 PM
Cristal Drake
Prudential California Realty - Fullerton, CA
Realtor - Fullerton Real Estate

Thanks Don. It is something I will never forget.

Dec 12, 2008 12:22 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Crystal, I'd be proud too of raising such a wonderful person.  I loved reading this entry and the lovely picture you posted.  Congrats, Mom, you did a great job.

Dec 12, 2008 10:30 AM
Mike Saunders
Retired - Athens, GA

Cristal - sounds like you instilled some great values into your son at an early age. Way to go, both of you.

Dec 12, 2008 11:15 AM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

That was such a profound sense of the word acceptance. We accept others for who they are...not what they are not.

Thanks Crystal..that really touched my heart...as I'm sure it will with most.

Dec 12, 2008 12:17 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Crystal - It is amazing that at such a young age you were able to exhibit such a compassionate spirit.  At my health club is a nice appearing young man that has normal body development from the waist up, but from the waist down, he has short legs that are no longer than 12" - but with normal sized feet which are attached backwards.  His amazing spirit and determination are a testiment to what some folks endure while making their way through life. 

Dec 12, 2008 02:35 PM
Leesa Finley
RED Properties - Wake Forest, NC
RED Properties - Raleigh NC Real Estate

Cristal - well, you just started my day out with tears - good tears though!  I love the stories about your son - he sounds like an amazing young man and you have got to be so incredibly proud!  Thanks for sharing this story - you guys are awesome!

Dec 12, 2008 11:31 PM
Deb Brooks
Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas - Wichita Falls, TX

Cristal, what a wonderful sweet story. What we sometimes take for granted could be anothers "blessing". The goodness of your son shines through! Beautiful! Holiday Hugs, Deb

Dec 14, 2008 04:22 AM
Cameron Wilson
Labrum Real Estate - Murrieta, CA
The Short Guy - Murrieta,Temecula,Menifee Californ

What a beautiful post Cristal. If only more people in our country would raise their children to have compassion for others we wouldn't be having all the problems we face today.

 

Dec 14, 2008 04:29 AM
Tami Vroma
West Michigan Real Estate Specialist-Five Star Real Estate - Grand Haven, MI
Realtor, Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Thank you for entering the contest.  By the way, you had 516 words, not including your tag line information ;-)  Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year!

Dec 15, 2008 12:18 AM
Ann Cummings
RE/MAX Shoreline - NH and Maine - Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth NH Real Estate Preferrable Agent

Hi Cristal - thank you for entering this post in the acceptance contest!  What a great picture of you and your son.

Ann

Dec 15, 2008 12:09 PM
Sheila Moran
RE/MAX Access (Garden Ridge, San Antonio, New Braunfels) - New Braunfels, TX
SanAntonioSheila.com, RE/MAX Access, 210-32

Cristal,

Your a gal with heart....I like that!

Best holiday wishes to you and yours!

With love from Texas.

Dec 15, 2008 02:41 PM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Cristal you sure have got a great kid that's for sure! Most would never have thought to ever utter those words especially not at that age. I am sure you are a proud mom:)

Dec 16, 2008 11:32 PM
Lisa Hill
Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Real Estate

I remember the days of working multiple jobs to care for my family when I was a single mom. I did what I had to do. But those times can be just what we need. They not only meet the immediate need, hard times build character in us, and teach of empathy for others.

Dec 17, 2008 03:31 PM
Cristal Drake
Prudential California Realty - Fullerton, CA
Realtor - Fullerton Real Estate

Lisa, you are SO right. We are put right where we are for a reason!

Dec 17, 2008 03:40 PM
Ann Allen Hoover
RE/MAX Advantage South - Hoover, AL
CDPE SRES ASP e-PRO Realtor - Homes for Sale - AL

That is so sweet!  I love the picture of you guys.....very cute!

Dec 18, 2008 11:59 PM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

Some children are raised properly, and some are not. To you, I say:

  • Cristal and her "Gingerbread Man" rock!
  • Cristal and her "Gingerbread Man" roll!
  • Cristal and her "Gingerbread Man" rule!

I didn't participate in that contest because I thought the rules were too restrictive.

Dec 21, 2008 05:41 PM