“Think Like a Child” Chapter 36

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

-Psalm 127:3

As I progress through the stages of ALS and go out more in my wheelchair, I notice more people staring. I am fine with that because I realize two things: they immediately think I am a damn fine looking man and I get to do donuts in the store when they have to walk.

The adults give you the side eye, hoping not to be caught looking, and the kids just stare with a confused look on their face, I try to smile or wave to the kids, but I really can’t so they just keep looking. I used to be able to make kids smile, but that’s all gone now.

Three weeks ago, Laura and I were invited to our neighbors house for a little get together. We met a beautiful young family who has a 5 year old daughter. We had a great time and wonderful conversations. I opened with, "I have ALS. Please feel free to ask me anything you want. I always try to make people comfortable. We spoke about me and other topics, but the whole time their daughter Kay Kay would stop and give me the familiar stare. That day, before they left, I gave them my blog site.

Later that same day, I received a message on my blog:

“Hi Mr. David. I met you today.  I have a lot of questions.  How do you yawn? How do you get up the stairs? Why was there a bag on your wheel chair? Why is there a tube from your throat? Thank you, I hope I get to see you again.  Kay Kay”

Her mom explained to me when they left Kay Kay had questions and she told her to ask me. I was very excited when I read the message because this could be my chance for a child to not be scared of me again.

“How do you yawn?” What a strange question, but in the mind of a 5 year old, it’s not. I was happy to answer my new friends questions. Two days later came the next questions.

“Hi Mr. David. I had more questions on the way to school I hope that’s ok. How do you get into a car? I know you talk with your thumb and phone but can you play tic tac toe? I’m really good and I think if you can play I can beat you. Can you play bingo? I think I could help you. I’m good at that too we just learned in school. Ok that’s all thank you.

Kay Kay”

To this email I sent her another note:

“Kay Kay,

We have a special van that has a ramp I use to drive my wheelchair into it. There is a lock I hook up to inside so I don’t move around when Laura is driving. I love playing games and can play tic tac toe and bingo. I hope you have a great day in school. What do you like best about school? What is your favorite animal?

Thank you for the great questions.

Mr. David”

The next week we were all at our friends house again and this time Kay Kay was happy to see me and talk to me directly. Her facial expression change from scared to smiles. My heart changed from sad to glad.

Kay Kay is now my child advocate and text buddy. Of course this happens through her mom. Recently we were all together again, but there was a new family there and they have a 5 year old daughter as well. Kay Kay and this new child are friends. When she first met me, she looked at me with the same concerns. This time, though, Kay Kay was standing with her to comfort her. Kay Kay and I spoke which made her friend relax. She even asked me some of the same questions Kay Kay had, but in person. Shortly after the girls were playing with bubbles and asked me to watch. It was a beautiful to see how comfortable they were and no longer scared..

The most recent note from Kay Kay:

“Do you sleep in a bed? How do you get in the bed? I got to ride a horse.  Its name was Flint and he was white and I rode scarlet she was big and sweet.  I love you have a good day! 🦄🐎🪽💗”

Talk about melting hearts. From scared and not talking to “I love you, have a good day.” It was like I was whole again and no longer wheelchair bound.

I can only pray that I have the chance to meet other families whose parents ask questions, and I encourage their children to ask questions too.

As I reflect over the past few weeks, it makes me wonder... when in our lives do we change? If 5 year old children can still come to me and ask questions, why can’t adults feel comfortable to do the same? Why do we put up walls, hate, and stereotype others before saying hi? Why do we still have racial and sexual orientation hate in our hearts? At what age did it all change?

To think like a Child is to Play, Experiment, Live in the Moment, Be Curious, Ask questions and believe that everything is possible. If that is true, is it possible to have the mind of a child again?

If knowledge is power and that makes us adults, I’m not so sure I want to be powerful if I can no longer think like a child.

Love and blessings