A chance encounter with a stranger highlighted my Labor Day.
Hers was the face of absolute innocence and unconditional love. I met this joyful teen after her parents had helped her to mount a rented bicycle in a New Jersey seaside town.
"Looks like you're all set," I said to the young lady with Down Syndrome as she settled into her bike seat. She grinned sweetly, threw her arms wide open and gave me not one, but two bear hugs while her mother guided her in speaking to me.
Then we said our goodbyes-and-have-funs and I nodded to the couple whose love for this child spilled all over the sidewalk.
If only every child knew such love.
(c) 2007 Marybeth T. Hagan
Crossposting with http://www.mothermayibeborn.com
