Weird encounter at supermarket

[Carly'sMa]

I took Carly to the market today. She was just very noisy, but otherwise ok. So, we are in one aisle and there is a man with a 4 year old boy. The boy asks why Carly is yelling. And the man says to the boy, "Why do you yell?" I looked at the man and told him "good answer" (really will have to use that some time in the future).

So, Carly and I are in the aisle a little more and the boy is still looking at Carly and I say she yells because she can't talk. She wants our attention. The man says something I can't remember, but then he says to the boy to remember to always treat Carly as a human being. :eek:

What I thought was such a great moment disappeared. Of course she's a human being. I don't think the kid understood anyway.

[lacyndarella]

Well he meant well anyway. It did start out as a great answer. Yes of course she's a human being. But I really do think he meant well...he just worded it really really badly. I'm sorry.

[wheeliebird]

It's amazes me how people react to situations like that!!! I sometimes think the kids react better then the adults!!! :eek: I love it when they tell the kids not to stare and I catch them them selves staring instead!!!

[Carly'sMa]

I'm not angry, it was just a good moment spoiled.

[lacyndarella]

I know. And that is what is so sucky about it.

[Mother's Heart]

hmm. that is a good answer. I"m going to remember that one.
He needs to rephrase, something like "always remember to treat her with respect"
At least he respected her enough to try to teach the boy ...

ps:Your sig pic of Carly and Manny sure does make me smile...it's such a feel-good picture.

[MikesMom]

I've always loved it when kids ask "what's the matter" or "why does he use a wheelchair" or any other question they come up with - it means I get to help them understand. It's the adults who just stare that make me want to grab them by the collar and give them a good shake ;)
That said, I agree with you Deb, the first thing the guy said was a great answer, the second sucked.
Jeanette

[Denae]

I am going to use that one.. it is perfect!

Too bad the second comment kinda messed up the golden moment..

[Paul from Australia]

Hey Deb.

Hmm, in Australia, and I accept being corrected on the spot by other Aussies, if the statement about being a human being was said here, perhaps that statement would not have stressed us out that much. Certainly if someone said that of Grant, I would not really take it as an insult. I am sure the man did not mean harm.

If miss Carly had been around and I saw her and had a child questioning me about her, my response would have been something like, Make sure you show respect. She is created in the image of God :)

Best wishes and seeya.

Paul, Alison and Grant the champ

[Carly'sMa]

I agree with saying she is to be respected. However, saying she is "human" implies she could be considered something less than human.

I prefer the "respect" word because it connotes how she should be treated as opposed to what she is (which is of course, human.)

It was just a poor choice of words on his part. I was not insulted - but his choice of words left a little to be desired.

[wheeliebird]

Make sure you show respect. She is created in the image of God :)

Now I love that too Paul!!! I wish all people, especially people with kids that don't have disabilities saw things the same way we do!!! I realize its because of a lack of knowledge about disabilities but it would be nice if all people would understand the way we do!!! Know what I'm saying?? That's why I'm glad we have these sites like CN to come to, to express different issues or frustrations!! :)