Caught looking.

Tonight I took Ralph to an event at a church that we do not attend. Lots of families with children were in attendance. Ralph was very well behaved at first. He sat on the floor next to his brothers and paid attention to the speaker. Such a big boy!

Then I noticed it.

Next to Ralph and his brothers sat another little boy, probably 6 or 7 years old, who was staring at Ralph. This boy looked puzzled. I could almost see the gears turning in his mind.

I found myself staring at the boy who was staring at my son.

Intrigued, I imagined what he might be puzzling over. I wondered if he had ever seen a person with Down Syndrome. My guess is no. I'll bet that Ralph's appearance was just barely different enough to make him wonder, "what is wrong with him?"

I watched him watching Ralph for quite a while. Then it happened.

He got caught looking!

Ralph caught him. They locked eyes. After a pregnant pause Ralph busted out his best and biggest smile, the one where his eyes turn into little crescent moons, and he waved "hello!" to the other little boy.

This dark, mean old world needs Ralph and more people like him. He's not an angel. Close, but not quite. Still, he's breathtakingly open and friendly.

I'm going out on a limb and proposing that people with Down Syndrome make the world a better and more loving place. More fun for sure! That's my experience anyway. Check out Ruby and Theo and let me know what you think: