Leah Carroll and her three young kids were recently out in a shopping centre having some food, when she had a potentially awkward encounter.
"I sensed your panic when your 5-year-old son pointed at my son in his wheelchair and shouted, 'Mom look at THAT boy!'' Leah shared with the Love What Matters Facebook page.
She added:"You leaned forward and quietly told him and his 3-year-old brother that we don't say things like that and they shouldn't point or stare."
Leah continued to explain that in most cases, parents attempting to stop their kids from staring doesn't work, as kids are naturally curious little things.
However, this mother in particular handled the run-in like a champion: "When you realised your whispers weren't working I saw the panic disappear and you took a deep breath and took a step of courage."
Leah explained that the mother, rather than walk away awkwardly, came over to chat to herself and her disabled son, Malachi: "You brought your boys over to Malachi and said 'I bet he would like to know your names!' As they said their names my little Malachi started grinning from ear to ear and jabbering back to them."
Leah said that this kindness brought a tear to her eye, explaining that her young son loves "kids his own age," but many are too afraid to come and speak to him.
"Your boys continued to ask questions about his foot braces, his wheelchair, why his legs don't work, why he holds his mouth open like that. You took the time to educate your sons in that moment and help them understand that different is okay."
The mother, who was greatly moved by this act of kindness, explained that "different is not something to fear," and spoke about the fact that while her son is different, he is still a young boy who enjoys kids his own age.
In the Facebook post, Leah thanked the mother for coming over and giving her kid's a chance to learn about Malachi's disabilities, rather than shying away from the fact.
"Thank you for giving my son a chance to meet your kids. Thank you for being the type of mom who educates your children instead of frantically trying to silence them. "
Leah mentioned that special needs mums have to develop thicker skin, and eventually get used to stares, comments, and whispers.
"Please know it takes a lot to offend us, particularly when the comments are coming from young children. Give your kids the same grace we give them and use the opportunity to teach them about differences."
What a heartwarming story!
