It is indeed heart
warming to read
about the encounter between a stranger and a special child. The
simple gesture of holding out his hand to be reciprocated in kind
most probably mean a lot to the child. We do not know what exactly is
in the child's mind when he does something but the smile on his face
does indicate a happy feeling and warmth that another person has
taken his gesture in kind. It is also sad that according to the
child's mother, a lot of people mistook the gesture as begging for
money.
Our perception is always
coloured by first impressions. The veneer and outer layer seem to
dazzle or dim our view of people the first time we set eyes on them.
In this case it is a child, a special child who did not ask to be
born that way and is not seeking sympathy but only understanding. I
wonder how does the child feel if we did not take hold of his hand.
Most probably still smiling since he has not mastered the difference
between acceptance and rejection. I would second a guess that the
smile would not linger that long as the expected warmth of another
hand was not felt. He would then know that his gesture was not
accepted and might be wondering whether he has done anything wrong.
The child had touched the
person not just physically but made a good start to his Monday
morning. A simple gesture with a rippling effect which should be
emulated by others too. We are so busy and trying to squeeze in as
much work or activity in the little time that we have that we tend to
forget the little things in life. Taking the hand that was extended
might seem inconsequential but little gestures do make a difference
to us and the other person. Stop and ponder the next time you see a
smiling face in our everyday rush to get to our next appointment or
meeting. That simple gesture is just asking us to respond in kind.
Remember it takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown.
Image from welcomebabyuc
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