First of all, if you have the opportunity to encourage or uplift or connect with someone, DO IT!
We had a really neat experience today. We've been on our road trip for 9 days now. We were checking out of one hotel earlier today, heading to another hotel where we were going to meet up with a friend of Jerry's and also get a great rate on a room. Hooray for friends and hooray for deals!
As we were loading up the car, this guy that worked at the hotel approached Jerry and motioned to speak with him privately. I've got an eyeball on jerry while Ty and I pack the car, Eli was already in the carseat. Whatever this guy and jerry are discussing, it seems friendly. Turns out the guy was verifying that we are a family via adoption and wanted to share with Ty that he too was adopted. Jerry gives him the OK and he comes over to Ty, starts talking to him about being adopted. They shake hands, share a special moment, we all thank the man for sharing with us, and get in the car. Ty's smile was so big you could feel it around you. See, Ty was being pretty grumpy about helping me or maybe just about life in general, before our serendipitous moment. Afterward he actually said, "Okay, I'm happy now!" and gave a joyful little chuckle.
The thing about our family is that we are so obvious. No one ever assumes we are just a regular family. Heck, usually at theme parks and restaurants, attendants and hostesses don't even think we're together! We're pretty used to it, but it's still a drag. I feel it sometimes, and Ty is hyper aware of it. So for someone who knows how Ty feels to take a minute and from the outside affirm who Ty is in our family was a huge deal. Ty felt encouraged, empowered, confident, and understood.
I could never do for Tyrell what that man did for him in 2 minutes. I'm so thankful I could sob on his shoulder.
So if you have the opportunity to encourage and uplift someone, DO IT! You never know if you are in the right place at the right time to leave some meaningful fingerprints on someone's heart. (or even on their mom's heart)
Also, Thanks God! That was awesome! :)
