Re: strangers comments at dinner

[Guest guest]

Barb,

Hello! Your post reminded me of something that happened about 4 1/2 years

ago, when our daughter was about 7 months old. We had had a rough summer,

with Naomi having 2 open heart surgeries to correct AVSD heart defect, one

surgery in June, and the other in September. In between those 2 surgeries,

she had had some complications that had required us to constantly go to the

doctors and children's hospital, and included many, many blood transfusions

(so many I lost count!). Anyhow, the 2nd surgery took care of the whole

problem, and Naomi was healing very well after that and became an active

little baby, it was so wonderful! But, all the stress of the whole time

from when she was born until after the 2nd surgery put a toll on me, and I

needed a vacation! So, my husband and I went to Florida with Naomi for

about 4 or 5 days. One evening, we decided to go out to eat. A little

while after we started eating, an older woman stopped by our table and

started to talk. She was telling us her whole life story, and asking

questions about the baby, saying how cute, etc... Finally, her husband

showed up and she left the table. So, we went back to eating our meal

peacefully. Then, a younger woman (about our age) showed up to our table

and started talking to us, asking us questions: Are you on vacation? How

old is your baby? etc... When she looked at Naomi enough, she asked, does

she have Down Syndrome? By then I was kind of rattled, and said, " Yes, and

funny thing is, you are the first person to ever ask us that in public. " I

thought that would keep her quiet... but no, she started telling us about

how she had watched a show recently about mental retardation, and how her

aunt is mentally retarded, but can do some things by herself, etc, etc..

When her husband finally showed up at the table (he'd been in the rest room

or something), she told him (right in front of us), " Honey, you know what?

I'm the first person who every asked them if their baby had Down Syndrome! "

Mind you, she was not a quiet person at all, either! I think many people

saw/heard what was happening. Her husband looked embarassed, and eventually

managed to pull her away and they left the restaurant. Well, by then I was

shaking, I couldn't believe the nerve of people! We went back to eating our

meal, and a few minutes later, we saw another person approaching our

table!!! We couldn't believe it! It turned out to be a man, the manager of

the restaurant. Apparently, he must have seen what was happening to us...

he asked how our meal was, and handed us a gift certificate for the next

time we would go to the restaurant, and then said, have a good evening, and

walked away. Needless to say, the evening was a big flop for me.

Now, almost 5 years later, I must say that not many people have been quite

that rude to us over the years. We receive many, many compliments about how

beautiful Naomi is, and these are the moments I treasure!

Sorry I was so long! Have a great day!

Nathalie from CT, mom to (7), Naomi (5), and Anne (3)

[Guest guest]

Nathalie, So, what I am thinking here, is that if we can group up with other couples and go to restaurants with our children, one of the couple's could play the "ding bat couple" and loudly announce our child's disability to the whole restaurant making sure a manager is close. Then if we do it enough, we can eat free all over town for a month! I still think I will pass! I bet the husband of that woman was wanting to crawl back to the bathroom when he heard his wife! I am still wondering how I am going to deal with this stuff if Jonas begins to look enough like he has Down's Syndrome to actually have people ask me, or make remarks or stare. I hope God will give me grace. Thanks for the story. Barb Martz Re: Strangers comments at dinner Barb,Hello! Your post reminded me of something that happened about 4 1/2 yearsago, when our daughter was about 7 months old. We had had a rough summer,with Naomi having 2 open heart surgeries to correct AVSD heart defect, onesurgery in June, and the other in September. In between those 2 surgeries,she had had some complications that had required us to constantly go to thedoctors and children's hospital, and included many, many blood transfusions(so many I lost count!). Anyhow, the 2nd surgery took care of the wholeproblem, and Naomi was healing very well after that and became an activelittle baby, it was so wonderful! But, all the stress of the whole timefrom when she was born until after the 2nd surgery put a toll on me, and Ineeded a vacation! So, my husband and I went to Florida with Naomi forabout 4 or 5 days. One evening, we decided to go out to eat. A littlewhile after we started eating, an older woman stopped by our table andstarted to talk. She was telling us her whole life story, and askingquestions about the baby, saying how cute, etc... Finally, her husbandshowed up and she left the table. So, we went back to eating our mealpeacefully. Then, a younger woman (about our age) showed up to our tableand started talking to us, asking us questions: Are you on vacation? Howold is your baby? etc... When she looked at Naomi enough, she asked, doesshe have Down Syndrome? By then I was kind of rattled, and said, "Yes, andfunny thing is, you are the first person to ever ask us that in public." Ithought that would keep her quiet... but no, she started telling us abouthow she had watched a show recently about mental retardation, and how heraunt is mentally retarded, but can do some things by herself, etc, etc..When her husband finally showed up at the table (he'd been in the rest roomor something), she told him (right in front of us), "Honey, you know what?I'm the first person who every asked them if their baby had Down Syndrome!"Mind you, she was not a quiet person at all, either! I think many peoplesaw/heard what was happening. Her husband looked embarassed, and eventuallymanaged to pull her away and they left the restaurant. Well, by then I wasshaking, I couldn't believe the nerve of people! We went back to eating ourmeal, and a few minutes later, we saw another person approaching ourtable!!! We couldn't believe it! It turned out to be a man, the manager ofthe restaurant. Apparently, he must have seen what was happening to us...he asked how our meal was, and handed us a gift certificate for the nexttime we would go to the restaurant, and then said, have a good evening, andwalked away. Needless to say, the evening was a big flop for me.Now, almost 5 years later, I must say that not many people have been quitethat rude to us over the years. We receive many, many compliments about howbeautiful Naomi is, and these are the moments I treasure!Sorry I was so long! Have a great day!Nathalie from CT, mom to (7), Naomi (5), and Anne (3)

[Guest guest]

Barb,

All I can say is, people that are that stupid have more problems than our children will ever have!

Carol

>From: " Martz"

>Reply-To: MosaicDS >To:

>Subject: Re: Re: Strangers comments at dinner >Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2002 09:29:53 -0400 > >Nathalie, > So, what I am thinking here, is that if we can group up with other couples and go to restaurants with our children, one of the couple's could play the "ding bat couple" and loudly announce our child's disability to the whole restaurant making sure a manager is close. Then if we do it enough, we can eat free all over town for a month! I still think I will pass! I bet the husband of that woman was wanting to crawl back to the bathroom when he heard his wife! I am still wondering how I am going to deal with this stuff if Jonas begins to look enough like he has Down's Syndrome to actually have people ask me, or make remarks or stare. I hope God will give me grace. Thanks for the story. > > Barb Martz > > Re: Strangers comments at dinner > >Barb, >Hello! Your post reminded me of something that happened about 4 1/2 years >ago, when our daughter was about 7 months old. We had had a rough summer, >with Naomi having 2 open heart surgeries to correct AVSD heart defect, one >surgery in June, and the other in September. In between those 2 surgeries, >she had had some complications that had required us to constantly go to the >doctors and children's hospital, and included many, many blood transfusions >(so many I lost count!). Anyhow, the 2nd surgery took care of the whole >problem, and Naomi was healing very well after that and became an active >little baby, it was so wonderful! But, all the stress of the whole time >from when she was born until after the 2nd surgery put a toll on me, and I >needed a vacation! So, my husband and I went to Florida with Naomi for >about 4 or 5 days. One evening, we decided to go out to eat. A little >while after we started eating, an older woman stopped by our table and >started to talk. She was telling us her whole life story, and asking >questions about the baby, saying how cute, etc... Finally, her husband >showed up and she left the table. So, we went back to eating our meal >peacefully. Then, a younger woman (about our age) showed up to our table >and started talking to us, asking us questions: Are you on vacation? How >old is your baby? etc... When she looked at Naomi enough, she asked, does >she have Down Syndrome? By then I was kind of rattled, and said, "Yes, and >funny thing is, you are the first person to ever ask us that in public." I >thought that would keep her quiet... but no, she started telling us about >how she had watched a show recently about mental retardation, and how her >aunt is mentally retarded, but can do some things by herself, etc, etc.. >When her husband finally showed up at the table (he'd been in the rest room >or something), she told him (right in front of us), "Honey, you know what? >I'm the first person who every asked them if their baby had Down Syndrome!" >Mind you, she was not a quiet person at all, either! I think many people >saw/heard what was happening. Her husband looked embarassed, and eventually >managed to pull her away and they left the restaurant. Well, by then I was >shaking, I couldn't believe the nerve of people! We went back to eating our >meal, and a few minutes later, we saw another person approaching our >table!!! We couldn't believe it! It turned out to be a man, the manager of >the restaurant. Apparently, he must have seen what was happening to us... >he asked how our meal was, and handed us a gift certificate for the next >time we would go to the restaurant, and then said, have a good evening, and >walked away. Needless to say, the evening was a big flop for me. > >Now, almost 5 years later, I must say that not many people have been quite >that rude to us over the years. We receive many, many compliments about how >beautiful Naomi is, and these are the moments I treasure! > >Sorry I was so long! Have a great day! >Nathalie from CT, mom to (7), Naomi (5), and Anne (3) > > > >Won't you please consider adding your personal story on the MDS website today? http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com >************************************************* >MDS MESSAGE BOARD - http://www.mosaicdownsyndrome.com/discus >************************************************* >

[Guest guest]

Kristian, Barb and everyone, These stories are beautiful and thank God we have probably each had one such experience which I think helps us know how special our dear little ones are and that they touch souls in ways we don't always understand. God is so good to us here in Pa., he has brought more good and loving and compassionate people into our lives, like all of you, then those who don't know about love. Thank you for sharing these lovely and important stories and thank you all for being there in friendship and support. God Bless each and every one of you. Sharon W mom to 15mds, 13ds and Tommy 10

[Guest guest]

Barb and to everyone else

After reading what you wrote brought back memories of what happened

to us one day at a resturant. It may seem unbelievable, but I promise

you that it's true. I even wrote about it in Brannon's baby book so

he would always know the story and pass it on to his kids.

It was 9-28-01 we decided to go out to eat. I wanted to to go Crackel

Barrel (country type resturant) and wanted to go to Harbor

House (seafood) so I said okay we'll go there instead. We changed our

mind few blocks from Crackel Barrel.

So we go in and order our food. Brannon is waving and smiling at

everyone. Well there was this one particular man he kept staring at.

The man was eating alone. We figured he was truck driver b/c the

resturant is right off the interstate. He had long hair and all sorts

of jewerly on his fingers and wrist. He was there way before us so of

course he finishes his meal while we're still eating. As he gets up

he goes to Brannon and saids bye to him and everything. Brannon waves

bye and smiles. and I look at each other and we both say to

each other that the man looked like he was indian. goes he

looks so familiar. So we go back eating and the next thing I know the

guy has came back in the resturant and is standing next to .

looks up at him and the guy has his hand out for him to shake

it. He tells him his name and which tribe he belongs to. I have no

idea what he said b/c I was too busy thinking to myself what does

this guy want. Did he hear us talking about him? Which there was no

way he could have b/c he was at the register by then.

He looks at Brannon and goes the reason I came back was to tell you

that your son has touched me. The man had tears in his eyes. He said

he is very special. He asked if he could give him something. We said

that it was okay. He gives Brannon this little homemade buffalo that

has a string on it where you can hang it somewheres. He goes I've had

this in my truck for a long time and now it's time to pass it on to

someone else. He said it will keep him strong. He rubs Brannon's head

and saids something in his native tongue. I was surprised Brannon

didn't scream when the guy touched him b/c he doesn't liked to be

touched by anyone he does not know. Tears came down the man's face as

he did this and then he left. We thanked him and we sat there in

silence. We didn't know what to think. It was a special moment for

sure and a time I will never forget. and I always say what if

had went to Crackel Barrel instead. We would have never met this man.

We wonder who he was since we both didn't get his name when he told

us. I hung the buffalo above his crib to keep him strong.

When we told our families about this I didnt' think they would

believe us, but they did once I showed them the actual buffalo.

I just wanted to share that with you all.

a Mom to Brannon 2 yrs TODAY.. and Gabby 2 mths TODAY

Ps Bran had a great bday party today. Spoiled w/ lots of toys. =0)

Once I get the pictures developed I'll defintely show them off.

[Guest guest]

a, I got " goose bumps " reading your story. It's

unbelievable the kinds of things that can happen when you least

expect them. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Brannon and Gabby!!!!! Sounds like

he had a great birthday. Take care! (Mom to Jakob, 7)

[Guest guest]

a:

All I can say is WOW and Happy Birthday Brannon.

Sharon (mother of Matt 7, MDS and 9)

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

thank you so much.

a

> a:

> All I can say is WOW and Happy Birthday Brannon.

>

> Sharon (mother of Matt 7, MDS and 9)

[Guest guest]

a,

Thank you so much for sharing that with us! What a

wonderful story!

Kristy

--- xax wrote:

> Barb and to everyone else

>

> After reading what you wrote brought back memories

> of what happened

> to us one day at a resturant. It may seem

> unbelievable, but I promise

> you that it's true. I even wrote about it in

> Brannon's baby book so

> he would always know the story and pass it on to his

> kids.

>

> It was 9-28-01 we decided to go out to eat. I wanted

> to to go Crackel

> Barrel (country type resturant) and wanted to

> go to Harbor

> House (seafood) so I said okay we'll go there

> instead. We changed our

> mind few blocks from Crackel Barrel.

> So we go in and order our food. Brannon is waving

> and smiling at

> everyone. Well there was this one particular man he

> kept staring at.

> The man was eating alone. We figured he was truck

> driver b/c the

> resturant is right off the interstate. He had long

> hair and all sorts

> of jewerly on his fingers and wrist. He was there

> way before us so of

> course he finishes his meal while we're still

> eating. As he gets up

> he goes to Brannon and saids bye to him and

> everything. Brannon waves

> bye and smiles. and I look at each other and

> we both say to

> each other that the man looked like he was indian.

> goes he

> looks so familiar. So we go back eating and the next

> thing I know the

> guy has came back in the resturant and is standing

> next to .

> looks up at him and the guy has his hand out

> for him to shake

> it. He tells him his name and which tribe he belongs

> to. I have no

> idea what he said b/c I was too busy thinking to

> myself what does

> this guy want. Did he hear us talking about him?

> Which there was no

> way he could have b/c he was at the register by

> then.

> He looks at Brannon and goes the reason I came back

> was to tell you

> that your son has touched me. The man had tears in

> his eyes. He said

> he is very special. He asked if he could give him

> something. We said

> that it was okay. He gives Brannon this little

> homemade buffalo that

> has a string on it where you can hang it somewheres.

> He goes I've had

> this in my truck for a long time and now it's time

> to pass it on to

> someone else. He said it will keep him strong. He

> rubs Brannon's head

> and saids something in his native tongue. I was

> surprised Brannon

> didn't scream when the guy touched him b/c he

> doesn't liked to be

> touched by anyone he does not know. Tears came down

> the man's face as

> he did this and then he left. We thanked him and we

> sat there in

> silence. We didn't know what to think. It was a

> special moment for

> sure and a time I will never forget. and I

> always say what if

> had went to Crackel Barrel instead. We would have

> never met this man.

> We wonder who he was since we both didn't get his

> name when he told

> us. I hung the buffalo above his crib to keep him

> strong.

> When we told our families about this I didnt' think

> they would

> believe us, but they did once I showed them the

> actual buffalo.

>

> I just wanted to share that with you all.

>

> a Mom to Brannon 2 yrs TODAY.. and Gabby 2

> mths TODAY

>

> Ps Bran had a great bday party today. Spoiled w/

> lots of toys. =0)

> Once I get the pictures developed I'll defintely

> show them off.

>

>

>