A couple of nights ago, I found myself carrying my daughter into a restaurant for dinner. As we approached the front, the hostess looked at her and remarked, “Oh sweetie, you’re too big for that.” We chose to ignore the comment politely. When our waitress seated us, she chimed in with, “Honey, why don’t you walk? Your mom’s back could use a break.” Again, we decided to let it slide.
Once seated, we began browsing the menu when I noticed a group at the table next to us staring. Soon enough, one woman loudly exclaimed, “It’s sad how kids these days can’t even be present at the table. They don’t even take off their headphones!” I was certain her comments were aimed at us, but I hoped that my daughter remained blissfully unaware.
What they didn’t understand was my daughter’s journey. They had no idea that her body had let her down. They weren’t aware that those headphones helped shield her from the overwhelming noise of the restaurant, which could trigger a seizure. The tablet she was using was her lifeline for communication, and I carried her because her legs simply couldn’t manage. They had no clue that we were en route to the hospital where she would be admitted the very next day — a place where I’d hear the haunting call of “code blue” as she faced one of her toughest battles yet.
They didn’t know, and frankly, it was none of their business. My daughter, like every child, deserved joy and inclusion, especially in a place meant for families to enjoy a meal together. At just 12 years old, she faced challenges that many adults couldn’t begin to comprehend. All she wanted was a fun night out with her mom, yet the judgment from those strangers threatened that experience.
There’s a saying, often attributed to various sources including Plato, that goes, “Be kind; everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” How simple, yet profound, those words are.
It’s so easy to go through life in our own bubbles, isn’t it? To focus solely on our own family and meals? But why not reach out? What if someone had offered to get a chair for my daughter instead of making careless remarks about her headphones? Or simply said “hello” when we were seated?
The world can be a chaotic place, and most of us only intersect for fleeting moments. But what if, in those brief encounters, we chose to spread kindness instead of judgment? Wouldn’t our shared spaces be brighter?
Let’s remember, fellow parents: kindness is key. But if you can’t muster it, please, at the very least, remain silent.
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In summary, it’s essential to approach each situation with empathy, recognizing that everyone has their own struggles. By fostering kindness and understanding, we can create a more inclusive environment for all.