I know what joy feels like; I got a sweet reminder this
weekend. I felt it bubble from the laughter of a boy and bounce out to tickle
the heartstrings of everyone around. He was about 11 years old, with Down syndrome,
accompanied by a young woman who was patiently amused, a little embarrassed,
and obviously a big fan of his. We were walking across the parking lot together
and he wiggled his way to the door ahead of us while his companion, rushing to
keep up, apologized with a smile over her shoulder, "He's a little
excited."
Inside there was a long line and I worried it would be hard
for him to wait, but the ice cream colored world delighted him, glossy posters
filled with larger-than-life berries and chocolate chunks, the warm vanilla smell
of waffle cones baking, clear containers of gummy bears and coconut and sprinkles.
He jiggled up on his toes, clapping his hands and turning in a little circle to
take it all in.
I watched the smile spread from him, to the family in front
of him, to the girls behind the counter, to us. It's delicious to smile that
big. While we mulled over the choices, he already knew he wanted nothing but
chocolate, so as he waited he turned to shake hands with my son Devin. Then he
took Devin's hand in one of his and reached for the young woman's hand with the
other and pulled their hands together, insisting with an award-winning grin
that they shake hands too. "I'm sorry," she giggled, "He likes
people to meet."
I have a friend on Facebook who posted an ultrasound photo this
week of the grandson she's waiting to meet. They just found out he has Down syndrome.
Friends began posting positive and encouraging comments that were heartwarming
to read, and each of those comments were illuminated for me in the light of joy
radiating from this boy, reflected in the smile of his care-giver and igniting
a merry little warmth in each of us who were watching.
I know this boy's life is not always oozing joy, and this
young lady who loves him sometimes hurts for him, from the challenges Down syndrome
certainly brings to their days. But for that handshake, for the open, uncomplicated
gift of it, she had no reason to be sorry! I can't think of a single thing more
joyful than people who aren't strangers anymore because their hearts met over
ice cream.
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