In February of 2006 my Mom and Dad took me to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Having never seen sand before I enjoyed digging and thrashing around. My parents and I went for long walks on the beach and boardwalk and visited with many people.
One morning we awoke to lots of rain. My Dad decided it would be a great day to take us shopping. He knew I love to go shopping and Mom doesn't mind either. We all dressed; they wore warm clothes and I wore my red therapy vest.
After a couple of stops at some of Mom's favorite shops we decided to visit the local Pet Smart. As we looked around, a group of kids asked my Mom if they could pet me and after telling me "gentle down" she said, "OK."
My Mom noticed a small child with his mother in the buggy nearby and asked if he could get out and pet me. At that very moment the mother burst into tears. She began taking her 4 year old son, who was deaf and just learning to walk out and placing him on the floor. The little one dropped to his bottom and I rolled into his lap. He smiled and rubbed me and we stayed in the floor together for almost an hour.
During my time with my new little friend his mom began to tell my parents about his life; he would soon undergo his 28th surgery. She continued to fight back tears as she explained about taking him to the grocery store and other places and how he would reach out and touch people. She said, "most people would become offended and make rude comments." Even after explaining that her son was deaf and touch was his means of communication with everyone around him it seemed people did not want to be touched or around this precious child.
My parents and I could not understand how anyone could treat such a gentle, loving child of God in this manner. After cuddling for a long time on the floor we all needed to go. I will never forget this special little boy. We promised to pray for Ryan and began getting ourselves together.
Ryan's Mom thanked us over and over again for asking if he could pet me and my parents assured her the blessing was ours. Ryan will forever remain in our hearts as we continue our journey reaching out to others.
Woofs and Wags,
Sitka
8 comments:
What a beautiful and touching story.
You are a precious dog Sitka and you are being used by God to touch the life of so many along with your parents.
How incredibly special Andrea!!!! I had a lump in my throat readig it... what a beautiful story, thanks for sharing!
Beautiful story Sitka. We never really know what other people go through and that was sad that people won't even reach back to that child. You don't know what a simple "hello" can even do with others. Thank you for sharing this. You are truly encouraging in your own ways.
Sitka,
I am continously amazed at your ability to reach out to the hurting and help heal them.
May God continue to pour out his blessings on you and your family as you continue to reach out the the hurting.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Okay Sitka, you're tugging at my heart strings with this one since my youngest son is hearing impaired. I've often wondered if a hearing dog will be helpful to him if he ever lives alone as an adult.
Thank you for being so kind to this little boy and his mom. Being the parent of a child with special needs can be heart wrenching at times. I'm sure that mom and her son have not forgotten what you did for them.
Extra Snausages for you Sitka and hugs to your mom & dad!
Oh ANdrea YOU and your doggy are such a blesing to all.. such a touching story --I pray for that little Ryan too ~
Blessings and come by and take my poll when you come (:) Just for fun ~
hugs,Patty
You and your parents are truly a blessing to those in need of healing touch.
Blessings.
Awesome touching story....you are truly blessed dear one and I appreciate you sharing from your heart. Blessings....
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