Did you know that when you Google “Who is the nicest guy in the world?” my dad’s name is SECOND on the list? (after a rock star named Steven.)
The following is a tribute to my dad, a true Special Needs Grandpa.
**
It had been a bad day.
I’d gotten a frantic call from our local high school, where Matthew was in the ninth grade, right after lunch.
“We’re going to have to suspend Matthew for the rest of the week,” said an exasperated vice-principal.
Dear God.
It turned out that Matthew had seen a fellow student nudge his girlfriend lightly and then tap her on the head playfully. Matthew decided to try the same move on another female student-with way too much force.
The student was understandably very upset. So were her parents.
**
When I got home with a very distraught Matthew, the phone was ringing. It was Dad.
“Poor kid,” he said when I told him the story, “and poor Laura.” He listened while I told him what I planned on doing for damage repair.
“I’ll have Matthew write a note, and we’ll buy some flowers…”
“Tell you what” Dad said, “when you’re at the florist, buy some flowers for yourself, too. My treat. And tell the school that Matthew’s Grandpa will be coaching him on flirtation techniques.”
By the time I hung up the phone, the knot in my stomach was gone, and I could take a breath-even laugh.
My dad is the nicest guy in the world. And I am luckier than most.
Laura
Laura Shumaker is the author of A REGULAR GUY: GROWING UP WITH AUTISM
and a contributor to A CUP OF COMFORT FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
She writes each Friday for 5 MINUTES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS.