Thursday 8 December 2011

I'm a mushy mum

You know this already...I'm a mum.  And a mushy mum.  I don't know why but I'm just a darn softie.  You show me someone crying and my tears will fall, too.  To be honest, I don't like it.  But that's just the way my eyes are and the tear ducts.

Ok, Len, get to the point, will yah?

So, I just have to share this photo with you.  It's of my son holding a soft toy from Father Christmas at Fritton Lake Winter Wonderland.

Because of his neurological condition, my boy doesn't speak and he's in a wheelchair.  In Santa's Grotto, Father Christmas spoke to him, held his hand and had photos with him.  He just looked around and I knew the scene would be etched in his memory forever but whether or not he understood what went on, I wouldn't have a way of knowing. All the while, I wondered if he understood any of it.  When one of Santa's "Elves" gave me Santa's gift - a soft toy called Rupert Bear on the way out, I handed it to my boy.  As if to answer the question in my mind - he softly got hold of the soft toy, pulled it close to his chest and pressed it against his lips.

You know what?  The sight of him clutching the toy made me so tearful.  He loved it.  In his own way I knew he enjoyed the trip.  And he loved Rupert.

Here's his beautiful photo.  Isn't he lovely?


And I just have to say this, the man who was Father Christmas that afternoon at Fritton Lake was the kindest Father Christmas I've met so far.  If you are reading this, thank you.  I've taken your kind words home with me.

And thank you most especially to Contact-A-Family for this early Christmas family gift. (I meant to post this bit the day I posted my son's photo but needed permission first)

Anything exciting you're doing this for the winter/holiday/Christmas season?


and what makes you all mushy?

16 comments:

Jasmine Walt said...

That's so wonderful-- I'm glad your son got a taste of the Christmas spirit. :D

ali cross said...

What a beautiful photo and testament. Whether that man ever reads this post of not, I'm sure he felt your thanks. I'm sure he'll be blessed for his kindness.

Thanks for sharing your boy with us Len!

Old Kitty said...

Oh your boy is beautiful! Awww wow!What a great day out for all of you! And big hugs to Father Christmas and his Elves for making your visit truly magical and memorable! Take care
x

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Loved this sweet post. It made me feel all Christmas-y.

J.C. Martin said...

Aww...how lovely! Wonderful pic! Little acts of kindness from strangers makes me feel mushy. :)

Golden Eagle said...

Wonderful post. :)

ruthinian said...

i'm a bit mushy too while reading this post. just like you, i can't help it. it's always nice to ready stories about your precious boy. take care.

Kazzy said...

He is a handsome young man! Glad you had a good day.

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Awww, Len, that's a lovely moment. Brought tears to my eyes. The kindness in others always touches my heart too.

(I have a 38 year old Rupert. My Dad gave him to me the last year I lived in England.)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Len .. Father Christmas must have been especially special .. that's wonderful to see and to read about - I am so pleased for you ...

A copy of your post (with or without the photo) to the local newspaper may help a lot of people and Father Christmas may read it ..

So delighted to see your son and his radiant happiness with Rupert Bear .. quite emotive, to put it mildly ..

No wonder you're a mushy Mum .. cheers Hilary

Glynis Peters said...

Len, what a precious gift for you! That brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful. Heart-warming. x♥

Gina said...

Len, this is a beautiful picture of J....wishing you you and family a great Christmas!

betchai said...

you made me teary eyed, Len, this is such a beautiful photo of your boy, the eyes tell it all, he loves it!

Ann Summerville said...

I'm so glad you got a photo to remember it. The picture is priceless.
Ann

Deniz Bevan said...

You! You're making me all mushy. Hugs to you and your son :-) And the bear too.

Theresa Milstein said...

Len, thank you for sharing the story and photo. I'm moved, and it's not my son and I wasn't even there. Of course you got teary!

I remember when my children were too young to communicate, always wondering, worrying. I'm sorry you haven't gotten to leave that stage. I hope you can have some small communication with him someday soon.