Hello. My name is Abby. I'm eight years old and I was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome when I turned two. My parents work hard to help me make sense of the world around me and this blog is meant to help others understand my world and my journey with Rett Syndrome.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Ups and Downs

Today was a gorgeous day to go to the park.  As most of you can imagine, its a little difficult for Abby to play at the park.  Its a little difficult for me to respond to other little girls asking her to play.  Today, however, the sweetest little girl wanted her to play.  I told her that Abby would love to play, but that I would like to join them.  The little girl, Olivia, seemed okay with that idea.  We went on to play hide-and-seek, ring around the rosie, and racing down the slides.  I was Abby's hands and legs most of the time, of course.  She had a blast.  She knows that a playground is often just therapy, but today she had fun....laughing out loud fun.  This was the first time that another kid had been so "normal" with Abby.  She held her hand, talked to her, and laughed with her.  It would have been the perfect trip if I could stop the story now.  

As I get ready to get the girls on the swings, I hear Olivia's father calling her over.  I can't hardly believe what he told her.  He reprimanded her for playing with Abby.  "There's something wrong with her.  Can't you see she't not like the other kids?"  He was actually aggravated that his daughter picked Abby to play with, a child who clearly was not a suitable playmate.  I just couldn't believe it.  Despite her fathers comments, Olivia returned to the swing set, only to be yelled at again.  Unbelievable.  I don't think Abby heard any of this, as she was completely distracted by the other kids playing. Wes definitely did not hear it, which is also a good thing, as he would most likely be behind bars right now.  

I wish I could say that I confronted the man.  But I didn't.  I may have, but the lump in my throat prevented it.  It was a good thing I wore sunglasses because I was a mess.  It was just such a shock that someone would be mad that their child was playing with Abby.  And he said there was something WRONG with her!  Who says that?  I still just can't hardly believe it.  I wish I had said something.  I don't know what it would have been, though, in front of Abby.  Maybe I'm naive, but I have never thought that any parent that would not want their kid to play with her.

I'm starting to think of a few things that I could have said to him now..... 


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8 comments:

  1. ZenaidaApril 3, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    Ann Marie you are not naive. A decent person with the right heart and mind would have never behaved in such way. I am worried for Olivia she has both the right heart and mind now let's hope her father doesn't damage that.

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  2. DawnApril 4, 2011 at 5:05 AM

    Oh man, my heart is breaking for you having to hear that and for Olivia who has him for a father. I am so sorry that your great park trip turned sour because I know those days where you feel like your girl is fitting in with her peers are hard to come by. And then to have someone blatantly point it out. xoxo

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  3. TeresaApril 4, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    Wow, I can't imagine how you are feeling about this. I am absolutely heartbroken over this.
    I am also heartbroken for little Olivia- it sounds like she has a great heart and I will be praying that her Dad not only doesn't ruin this but that he learns through her.
    Being a light in this dark world is hard and I think sometimes silence is the best way to shine.
    You will be rewarded for your Christian heart.
    I love you all- give Abby Doo a hug from Aunt Teresa!

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  4. mjApril 4, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    i am seriously sick after reading this. i understand people's initial fear. really, i do. but after watching his daughter enjoy playing with abby and seeing how much abby enjoyed it? is he afraid it's contagious? that someone will see HIS daughter playing with someone different? i just hope and pray sweet olivia can teach her dad a few things that he has obviously forgotten over the years. hugs to you and abby. and you're a better person than me. :)

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  5. AnonymousApril 4, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    Can't believe the ignorance of people. I can't image the disappointment, anger, and hurt you must have felt. So glad Abby didn't hear him. Probably best you did hold your tongue, wish were closer, I know my girls would love a play date with Abby! Lauren has such a sensitive heart and helps a boy at church who has some physical disabilities. Keep your chin up! Ann

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  6. ColleenApril 4, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    I hope that Olivia and Abbey end up to be great friends, maybe they will be in school together or something, just to spite him! It is so horrific how some people think, sorry you had to hear that, xx.

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  7. Allyson JacksonApril 10, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    Wow!!! Libby would love to play with Abby!! Let me know when you all go to the park again. We went twice this week. Sad to think that Olivia has to live that man. Miss you all!!
    Allyson

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  8. stefanie g.April 15, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    i know i should say i will pray for that man but right now i want to kill him. is that so wrong?

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