STORYTIME TAPESTRY

The Newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world

Special Treat ??“ Sharon Bryant

Oct 9, 2005 

 KATIE

Sharon Bryant

Yesterday at work a lady pushed a wheelchair into my shop.  Alongside her was a boy of about 8 years old.

A little girl sat in the wheelchair.  Suddenly the name Katie came into my head.  I watched the little boy look at some candy and tell his mom what he wanted.  The mom ordered an ice cream cone.  I watched the little girl.  She was beautiful.  Sandy brown hair, blue eyes, and yet it was obvious her eyes did not focus well.  I walked from behind my cash register and bent down and said, "Hi, how are you?"  I noticed a smile start on her little face. The mom was grinning and replied, "She is fine today."

I looked at the mom and said, "Isn't her name Katie?" 

Startled for a moment, she said, "How do you know that?"

I replied, about five years ago, you brought this munchkin into my shop.  Her hair was longer and she was in a different type of wheelchair at the time."

"My goodness, you are right!" was her reply.  "But how did you remember her name?" 

"Oh, I'm just good with names I guess you could say, and I've never forgotten those beautiful blue eyes," I told her.

Katie was born with a brain disease.  Today she is 12 years old but the size of a seven year old.  I watched as her little brother rubbed her tiny arm and said, "Mom, what is Katie getting?"  The mom said she was sharing her ice cream with Katie.

They went outside on my deck.  Another couple was out there with their three year old grandson.  They had just been in the shop.  Their little boy's name was Dillon and the minute he saw Katie come out of the store, he ran over to her.

"Say hi to the little girl," said his grandma.

A tiny voice squeaked out hi to Katie.

Katie responded with a lopsided grin and movement with her hands.  I saw Dillon reach up and touch her arm and look at her and smile.

I was touched to see a mother love her child so much.  I was touched to see a little brother gently and lovingly touch his sister's little arm with such love.  And I was touched to see a stranger, a little boy, reach out and offer his friendship to a little girl confined to a wheelchair.

If only everyone could give this kind of love to a child.

Sharon Bryant

1946 @bellsouth.net

About Me:

 I am Sharon Bryant, 59 years old and reside in Alabama.

I lost my child in 1977 when he was five and I write
articles on bereavement often.

I am a chocolate/candy maker and also a wood crafter and knitter.

I am married to a wonderful man, and have two remaining children, a daughter 25,
Amy, and a second son, Randy, age 22.

My main goal in life is to help those who
have lost a child. My website is: www.angelsremembered.tk