One favor speaks a thousand words…

(New to our journey? Click here to read my Lila’s birth story)

My husband has a friend whose daughter needed extra medical attention during her first few years. He tells a story of a time when their family was overwhelmed with the day to day details of caring for this sweet daughter and household chores got less attention. Suddenly, a few extra dishes in the sink went unseen and the laundry probably piled up a mile high. One warm, summer day, this man heard a familiar noise outside his house. In his overgrown yard, he saw a friend from church. Not a best friend mind you, but a comfortable acquaintance who knew of this family’s situation. He was mowing their grass. He was never asked to help or even told of that week’s particular struggle, but he was familiar with their story and the weight this family carried on their shoulders. So, he brought over his lawn mower and did what he could. Not necessarily a grand gesture, but one that brought tears to this father’s eyes. It was one less worry on his list, taken away by a friend who had no idea what it was like to walk in his shoes. But this simple favor showed he wanted to try.

Our days are often full, the calendar sometimes resembling a crowded reservation list in a newly popular restaurant. Every therapist appointment is worth it, and most doctor’s appointments are greeted with news of good progress. But life with any child is busy, and when you add parents with two full-time jobs AND a special need it can sometimes feel like there is no room for those daily tasks that keep a household running.

This morning we discovered that our new neighbor, who we’ve only met a few times, cut our grass last night. He may or may not know that Lila has Down Syndrome, he’s only met her a few times and for a few minutes. But last night, we pushed Lila in her favorite swing for a few extra minutes before bedtime while he mowed his own lawn next door. We waved to him but didn’t stop to chat. And sometime after that, he decided to take an extra half hour and do us a favor.

Now maybe to him, it was just too frustrating to see our somewhat overgrown lawn any longer. Maybe he didn’t like how it made his property look. But regardless, this simple gesture made us both smile and be very thankful for one less task on the list of things that need our attention.

It made me want to pass it on, to do something for a family that might need an extra moment to relax, or even to swing. What one small thing can you do today, to give someone a story they will tell for years to come about a simple act of generosity that left a big impression?