A Blue Rose

Having several house guests --- family members from out-of-town visiting, my wife was very busy, so I offered to go to the store for her to get some needed items. So off I went. I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the checkout counter, only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be in his teens. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared loudly, "Mommy, I'm over here."

 It was obvious that he was mentally challenged. He was startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened in surprise when I asked him, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?" 

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded. 

"Wow! That's a cool name. I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Steve," said I. 

"Steve, like Stevarino?" he asked.

"Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?" 

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked as she slowly came over from the next aisle. 

"You're 15 years old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass." 

I acknowledged her but I continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles, and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because he was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section. 

Denny's mom had a somewhat puzzled look on her face as she thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. 

I told her: "There are plenty of pink, red, and yellow roses in God's garden; however, blue roses are very rare and should be appreciated for their distinctive beauty. Denny is just like a blue rose; if one doesn't stop to admire and appreciate his being rare and unique, then one missed a blessing from God." 

She was silent for a few seconds, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?"
Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but I sure love living in God's garden." 

She reached out, squeezed my hand, and said, "God bless you!" Then, I had tears in my eyes. 

May I suggest that the next time you see a blue rose, please don't just turn your head and walk away. Take the time to smile and say hello. Why? Because a blue rose's mother or father could have been you. The blue rose could have been your child, grandchild, niece, or nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or family.

Author Unknown