Carnal Reason

Because my wife and I both work, we pay a young lady to take care of our two daughters after school. My younger daughter, CC, recently had an ear infection. The plan was for me to meet her and the babysitter at the pediatrician’s office. I arrived a few minutes early, and decided to wait for CC and Alyson in the parking lot.

While I waited, several parents and kids arrived. Two of them caught my attention: a smartly dressed mom and her son, who looked to be about CC’s age, almost five. As they passed me, I heard the mom tell the boy that his behavior had been completely inappropriate and unacceptable. Those were her words.

For a moment I was struck with jealousy. CC is developmentally delayed. She cannot speak, and I fear she never will. This fact looms over me like no other. The moment passed.

Once CC and Alyson arrived we went into the doctor’s office. The smartly dressed mom was inside, and she said hello to CC, by name. I was surprised, and asked how she knew my daughter. She told me that her other son is in CC’s class. Every child in that class has some real challenges.

Small world. You never really know what cross it is the other guy carries.

Posted on December 17th, 2005 by pwyll
Filed under: General