His Name is Mike

We were so tired as we got off the tram and started our walk into the parking structure. It had been an awesome family day at Disneyland. Actually, one of the best! It was filled with magical moments that Disney has all too well perfected. However, by the end of the day we were tired, cold and longing for our comfortable beds.

We were on our final stretch, we could almost see our van in the parking lot.

That is when I heard the loud laughing right behind me. I am not sure why I came to the quick thought that maybe someone was laughing at Katie in the wheelchair, but I did. I turned around thinking I would see a little boy who maybe had some questions we could answer about wheelchairs and people that use them.

But, when I turned around, I was surprised to see a grown man and his Mother. Instantly, I was humbled and I would soon learn that I was the one who would be learning a lesson.

The man was still laughing and his Mother explained... "He loves orange cones and get's so excited when he sees them because he likes to jump over them!"

We had just walked by an orange cone. 

In that moment I realized I was in the presence of some really beautiful and special people and I could not help but talk with them. They drew me in.

"Oh, you like Orange Cones?" I asked the man.

He started waving his hands and clapping yelling "YES! YES!"

I continued, "Did you have a fun day at Disneyland today?"

Again, more clapping and an even louder "YES!" 

"What is your favorite ride?"

"JONES! JONES!!" 

His mom chimed in, "No it's not! That used to be your favorite ride, but now it's Cars!"

Much more clapping and yelling "CARS, YAY, CARS!" With pure happiness and excitement! 

I could almost see little bubble hearts bursting off around this man! His heart and his beautiful spirit were so big and so bright that my own heart felt like it was about to burst with love!. 

I asked "What is your name?"

I thought he responded with "Mark," So I said, "Hi Mark, I'm Sarah, so nice to meet you." 

"No! NO! NO!" Hands flying everywhere.

His Mother chimed in again with her angel voice, "I know, it really sounds like Mark when he says it, but it's actually Mike." Then she turned to him and in a soft voice said, "Mike, calm hands, calm body please."

I apologized, "Mike, I am so sorry I thought you said Mark. Hi Mike!" 

He clapped for joy and once again that big huge smile returned and we high fived (I thought my hand was going to break as Mike was really strong)! 

"Mike, how old are you?" I asked

"OLD! Thirty-eight. Ohhhh, OLD. OLD. OLD. SOOO OLD!" 

I wanted to joke, "Hey, take it easy Mike, I am almost there in a couple of years!!"  But our conversation quickly changed back to "Hi, Hi, Hi" which he liked to say every few seconds.

Our conversation went on like this until we reached our cars. Minutes earlier I could not wait to get in the car, turn the heater on and get home to my bed. Yet, I was not ready to say "Good-bye" I wished we had more time to talk. I wanted to take in more of what Mike and his sweet Mother had to offer. Those bursts of bubble hearts that seamed to fly off of them were infectious! 

But all too soon, our conversation ended and we said our farewell.

The rest of the night, however, I could not stop thinking about Mike's mother.

 "Thirty-eight" kept ringing in my ears.

For thirty-eight years I imagine this warrior mother has been by her son's side. Helping him and caring for him but mostly just loving him.

I wondered about all the times she has had to explain to strangers about her Mike. How she probably prayed and hoped that others around him would just "get it" and not feel like she had to apologize. I wondered about how it was raising Mike and taking care of him now that he is a grown man.

I wondered about how many times she encountered situations with him where it felt like her mother heart was going to burst?

How does she take care of that beautiful innocent boy who almost seems trapped in a strong mans body?

I am sure if I asked her, she would have responded like every other Warrior Mother would, "Because he is my son and I love him." 

I am very thankful and humbled for that moment with Mike and his Warrior Mother. It was a beautiful moment for me as I saw a Mother's love at it's very best. 

(above image via)