In article <Grant-me-that-0802103@Grant.Grant>, +Grant.
<+Grant@grant.grant> wrote:
> In article <pqd1n5lum86lrm5hfc2jkrbumfilc3rnia@4ax.com>, NP-f31 wrote:
>
> > On 8 Feb 2010 16:44:02 -0600, " +Grant. " <+Grant@grant.grant> wrote:
> >
> > >In article <3f2nm5psp2uun49nam47792u93umh43lck@4ax.com>, NP-f31 wrote:
> > >
> > >> People used to share things like this in The Fort all the time, but
> > >> these days folks seldom do.
> > >>
> > >> I have been having an e-mail conversation about what being a
> > >> boylover means to me with one of the new boys in my life. Something
> > >> happened yesterday that is a perfect illustration of what it means to
> > >> me and how I deal with it. I shared this with him and I wanted to
> > >> share it with you too as this is something that probably happens to
> > >> all of us, but we don't talk about it. I wanted to see if others had
> > >> similar experiences.
> > >>
> > >> I was doing some grocery shopping yesterday at Walmart. I was in an
> > >> aisle and there was a lot of congestion. As I waited I rolled up
> > >> behind a mom and her (probably) four year old son. He was a
> > >> beautiful little fellow with a bored expression on his face, it was
> > >> bordering on melancholy. Mom was preoccupied and he was sort of
> > >> looking around for something of interest to stimulate him. I was
> > >> right in front of him on the other side of my cart. I waited until
> > >> he looked at me, which he eventually did, and I gave him my
> > >> biggest, broadest boysmile. It's that unique smile that I reserve only
> > >> for boys, it sort of says 'you're special' to the boy with whom I
> > >> share it. He was looking at me and the smile registered on his
> > >> face, I could see him begin to understand that I was paying
> > >> attention to HIM. As this realization occurred he responded with
> > >> the warmest, most genuine, happy expression I've ever seen. His
> > >> little face lit up! And the joy in his smile literally made my
> > >> heart jump. It was not only the reaction I'd hoped for, it went
> > >> beyond that. In that moment we connected. His Mom, at this point,
> > >> got behind her cart (they call them buggies down here) and took off
> > >> in the general direction I was heading. He immediately went from
> > >> one side to the other to look around her and maintain eye contact with
> > >> me. I gave him a little wave and began to follow them now that the way
> > >> was open. He grinned and waved back, clearly enjoying having a
> > >> playmate. As I reached the intersection a cart came from left to right
> > >> at speed and I had to wait to follow. Once I cleared the perpendicular
> > >> aisle, I lost track of my buddy. Then I saw him off to my right and
> > >> ahead of me. He was craning his body to keep me in sight. They
> > >> passed a display rack in the middle of one of the wide aisles and
> > >> he lifted up to look over so he could see me. He and his Mom were
> > >> now going the exact wrong way from where I needed to go. I debated
> > >> shadowing them for a bit longer, but decided that it would be the
> > >> wrong thing to do. I caught one last glimpse of him as I turned
> > >> left and I lifted my hand to wave and he was gone. I continued to
> > >> keep an eye out for him as I completed my shopping, but I didn't
> > >> see him. I still had a warm feeling from the sweet expression on
> > >> his face. I had made him feel good for a moment and he made my day.
> > >>
> > >> Isn't it amazing what a simple smile can do? Please share your boy
> > >> moments.
> > >>
> > >> Stay Safe,
> > >>
> > >> Doc
> > >> NP-f31
> > >
> > >
> > >Good post.
> > >
> > >It works different for me. I atomically get kids attention if any of my
> > >assistive hardware is visible. They stare and ask what is that? Their
> > >parents are embarrassed and tell the kids not to stare. I give them a
> > >big smile and tell them its ok and tell them its to help me because I
> > >was hurt in the Army and there are still problems but it doesn't hurt
> > >anymore. Parents are very nice about it then. I shake hands with them
> > >all and we say nice things to each other like "thank you for your
> > >service" and "your kids are very nice you must be proud of them" and I
> > >joke with the kids. There is a little problem will untethered toddlers
> > >who grab for things but I joke I need it more than they do.
> > >
> > >Grant
> >
> >
> > Hi Grant,
> >
> > I expect it would be a bit different, having your equipment would be
> > like a 'toddler magnet. The way you handle it is graceful and also an
> > effective way to show children (and their parents) that curiosity is
> > not a bad thing AND that that having special equipment that helps you
> > function is nothing to be ashamed about. I think you'd be more than
> > correct in saying that your equipment doesn't make you different, it
> > makes you 'special'. And not in a short yellow bus kind of way. ;)
> >
> > And one more thing Grant. I've said it before and I'll say it again.
> >
> > Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
> >
> > Respectfully,
> >
> > Doc
> > NP-f31
>
>
> You're welcome.
>
> Please let me disagree a little. I think everybody is special each in
> his/her/tran way. But I have to think young people are more special
> because they still have the ability to build who they want to be, if
> only they knew it.
> Toddler magnet is right! Get two of them and I'm the object of a
> tug-of-war! LOL
>
> Sorry I misspelled "atomically". My spell checker should have caught
> that. I don't know why it didn't. This time I made a special effort to
> write right. Correctly, too?
>
> I have more stories to write and post. Want to know about the first
> time my Dad tried to fry a turkey? For Christmas? In the snow? Would it
> spoil the ending to tell you I didn't die? LOL There are more Stevie
> adventures. Is anybody interested? Is this a good time to post them?
>
> Take care
>
> Grant
I'll read and enjoy every story you post. Now, do you still want to? LOL
Mover, the merry reader
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