A BLUE ROSE



Having four visiting family members, my wife was very busy, so I offered to go to the store for her to get some needed items, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags, detergent and bleach. So off I went.

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies and headed for the checkout counter, only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly.

"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Steve."

"Steve, like Stevarino?" he asked.

"Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle..

"You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement, because he was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him.

I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I said, "There are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's Garden; however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God."

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?"

Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but I sure love living in God's garden."

She reached out, squeezed my hand and said, "God bless you!" and then I had tears in my eyes.

May I suggest, the next time you see a BLUE ROSE, don't turn your head and walk off.  Take the time to smile and say Hello.  Why?  Because, by the grace of GOD, this mother or father could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece or nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.

From an old dandelion!  Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.  Speak kindly.  Leave the rest to God.

"People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel!"        

ANONYMOUS

A friend sent me this by E-mail and I was so blessed I just had to share it. If this story blesses you today, feel free to pass it on.

12 comments:

pam said...

We never know what one smile, one small conversation, any act of notice might do for someone. I try not to get in a hurry and to take note around me.
Hope you have a grand week Karin....thanks for sharing this. I LOVE the unusual blue roses of life.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

I work sometimes with kids like that, the latest, an aspergers boy.

Rose said...

I'm really surprised how no one has commented yet on this post given that it's so much heart touching.It is a sad sight when someone gives a hating or a grinning look at mentally challenged people. You've said something beautiful and remarkable to that lady,she will remember you for this all her life :-)
What color rose are you?
http://www.3smartcubes.com/pages/tests/rose-romance/rose-romance_instructions.asp

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this Karin. My late nephew had Down Syndrome and I too, try to take a few minutes when I see a "blue rose" to make them feel special. God created us all differently and He loves us all.

Sandy said...

What a beautiful story and lesson. Thanks! I'm keeping my eyes opened for Blue Roses today!

ellen b. said...

It brought tears to my eyes, too.

Mari said...

This is wonderful! Some of the people I have been most blessed to know have been "blue roses".

Ginny Hartzler said...

A very good story! Something for us all to remember, instead of just STARING at people like this!!! I wonder if there really are blue roses, I know there are blue poppies.

Wendy said...

Good story. I had read it before and it was nice to read it again.

Shug said...

Hi karin..
My heart was so touched by this story...As I was reading it to Sam, I could hardly finish the words without my voice cracking...I have a special needs neice and I know exactly how important it is to her when someone gives her a little attention...
Thank you so much for sharing...I will be sharing this with others...
Warm hugs to you..
shug

NCmountainwoman said...

Beautiful post.

Doris Sturm said...

Thank you for passing this story on to us. It brought tears to my eyes as well. I wholeheartedly agree with enjoying the Blue Roses in God's Garden - and that includes people who are of different origin. If one is a prejudiced person and only sticks to what's familiar to them, then one can miss so much in not having found a friend from whom to learn something different...something new! Life is a learning experience and we should not deprive ourselves of experiencing every opportunity we get to learn something new and thus grow as a human being!

I love this colorful world filled with dandelions and roses and other exotic plants...and the animals too ;-)

Have a blessed day!
With love,
Doris and Gizzy :-)