Angels Among Us

I was at the hospital today where both my children were born. The hospital has a wonderful cafeteria with an array of fresh cuisine. People actually go there just to dine. That can’t be said about a lot of hospitals.

Anyway, as I waited in line to pay for my pindi chana I thought I would see if I could leave some money to buy a young man lunch. Three years ago this young man, Tyler,  came by at just the right time after my youngest child was born. My youngest child has Down syndrome, as does Tyler. The day after I had given birth as I walked my baby around the maternity ward I ran into Tyler sweeping the floor. He stopped me and said, “Congratulations! He’s beautiful. Like me.” Tyler gave me so much perspective that day. Perspective that would take me a few months to realize.

So three years later, I decided to buy him lunch as a thank you for being kind. I asked the cashier if she knew the young man I was speaking of and she did. She told me that the hospital gives him a certain amount of money for his food and that he usually brings his own and just buys a cookie and milk. So there went that idea. But she asked if I wanted to wait around and thank him myself as he would be in the cafeteria soon.

So I waited. I looked around the hospital and recalled the sadness that overwhelmed three years ago. I saw the nurse who pushed my wheelchair to the door, gave me a hug, and told me everything would be OK and that she would keep us in her prayers. As I reminisced I realized how those tears weren’t really necessary. But that’s what worry and fear do–steal one’s happiness. I’m so grateful for her prayers, and everyone’s, as I had much to be thankful for: a healthy baby boy.

Then I pulled out my phone and looked at the video my husband had sent me the previous night while I was roller skating with our oldest. Our youngest was taking a tubby and saying, “Hi Momma.” He flashed his infectious smile and giggle. I smiled from the depths of my heart.

Tyler came over to meet me. I thanked him for his kind words three years ago, and how I never forgot them. I told him how I will always remember how he said my son was beautiful, just like him. I showed him a picture of my son. He then told me I was beautiful, just like my son. He asked his age and what he was wearing on his head. A hat with a fox face on it. It’s unbelievably adorable!

I thanked him again and told him to have a good day. We gave each other a hug and said farewell. Then Tyler turned around and said, “take good care of that little boy.”

I will, Tyler.

I promise.