Sometimes in life there are unexpected blessings that you know only come from God. Today was one of those. Recently I posted about a young man (Frank)that wrote an article about the movie, Tropic Thunder. The article really tugged at Lynn and my heartstrings as we realistically saw how this young man with Down Syndrome felt the discrimination that often comes in this society. Well tonight, David and I got a chance to have dinner with him!
Frank and his mother, Cornelia had come to our school system to speak to the students during bully prevention week. I did not get to hear his speech, but I did get to sit around a dinner table with him tonight. On my right side, sat Frank who was full of jokes and one-liners. He looked across the table at my David and said "one day you will learn David that there is nothing more yummy than a pair of ladies' lips!" We all rolled!:)
On my other side, sat his dear mother, Cornelia. I had so many questions for her, but I didn't want to dare miss a moment of Frank on my other side. I don't even remember what I ate at this special dinner. Also attending, were Carol and her young adult daughter Jessica who has DS and our friends, Kilby, Seth, and Brittany. Needless to say I cannot believe we didn't get kicked out of the restaurant we laughed so hard.
Frank's mother offered a blessing for our food that made tear drops fall into my food. She thanked the Lord for special children like David, Jessica, and Frank that were put here for His purpose and to give Him glory. Not only did we have a delightful time laughing and carrying on, but I just wanted to fall on my knees and thank the Lord for this amazing oppotunity. Without David, I would not have appreciated the experience I was blessed to be apart of tonight.
Cornelia and I briefly shared the trials that raising a child with DS can offer, but oh the laughter, love, and comraderie that was around that table tonight was something to behold. I needed this boost today after the sad news that my friend Lynn's wonderful mother-in-law is in the hospital after suffering a serious stroke. The only thing missing around that table tonight was Lynn and her precious Caroline!
I was mesmerized with Frank tonight as I watch him read and study the menu at the restaurant. He could live indepedently, but chooses to live with his parents. He works in a bakery and took great detail to explain to us all the goodies he makes. His mother often looked at him with such pride and often would bury her head as he told one last joke! I will carry this experience around in my heart for a very long time.
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