Stares and Smiles

It’s not polite to stare.  Didn’t our parents tell us that at least 71 times between the ages of 2 and 10.  One of the things I’ve learned the last 6 years is that a lot of adults seemed to have forgotten that piece of the etiquette puzzle.  Suzie and I have always enjoyed going out to eat at restaurants, shopping, etc and we still do today except now usually we have Kinley with us in her chair.  The stares are the most noticeable to me in restaurants as we pass other tables and booths on the way to our seat.  I’m sure they don’t even realize they are doing it and maybe it’s just a normal reaction to stare when a 65 pound child rolls by in a stroller/wheelchair.  My least favorite stare is almost always accompanied by a sympathetic head tilt and “you poor thing” facial expression.  The best stares are from other children as they are genuinely curious and I think that is sweet.  Sometimes they will ask their parent or even Suzie and I “why is she in a chair”?  Some people though really get it and I admire them.  Hopefully they are passing their manners on to their children, friends, and family.  When we walk by those folks they just smile really big at Kinley and say “hi” or “how are you today”?  Usually cashiers at grocery stores, retail stores, etc are awesome to Kinley and we love that.  So to all the special needs dads out there……..don’t sweat the folks that stare.  Just smile at them, say hello, and maybe next time they will do the same.