So, I think all of our family and friends know that Kerstin is a huge Target fan! No kidding! The child LOVES Target! You may have seen the pic I posted a few days ago of her looking at the store with dreamy eyes like "I love this place!" I have been wondering what is it about the store! The Bullseye? The red letters? The lights? Store signage? The conversations that Kerstin eavesdrop on when we're walking aimlessly through the store? What is it? Whatever it is, she loves that place.
This past Saturday, I decided to go in with her as an escape and a treat! It was crowded, more crowded than on our weekday trips to the store yet, Kerstin was still very happy being in the crowd, in Target. Shopping alone with a child in a wheelchair can be a task. Try pulling a shopping cart while pushing the wheelchair, and add in a crowded store. Sometimes the customers can be understanding and happily allow room, other times some can be assholes!
This crowded Saturday, the checkout lanes were busy and crowded, there were workers stocking items around the lanes. One in particular stopped what she was doing, came over and spoke to Kerstin. She asked her name, seeing that she was nonverbal, she looked to me to tell her Kerstin's name. When I did, she proceeded to talk directly to Kerstin. That made me smile! A kind act like that meant so much. It didn't end there, she took the shopping cart and put all of our items on the counter! I thanked her, she assured me that it wasn't a problem.
Our encounter with this store associate didn't end after she placed our items on the counter, she went back over to Kerstin and told her that she would probably have to be reminded of her name a couple more times but, she would get and that she looked forward to seeing her next time! This lady we met Saturday wasn't the only employee in this store location that remembered us on our visits. We were once again, walking around one day when another associate seem to have come out of nowhere to speak and ask how we were that particular. This lady told me that she sees us in there a lot and that Kerstin always looks happy. Yeah, happy because it's one of her happy spots!
Target, if you happen to read this, she will happily model for your ads, LOL!
I can proudly say that I am not one to brag...or at least I try my best not to brag. When it comes to Kerstin and a milestone or achievement she has made, or something she's involved in, that all goes out the window! It is with so much happiness that I can honestly and very proudly say that this post is nothing less than a brag post. *insert a happy smile*
So, I'm sitting with Kerstin, giving her a bolus and like always, I casually talk with her about what's on TV or the day we've had. I notice that her little hands are growing, as is the rest of my little lady. So, I take her hand and kiss it, telling that it's so soft and that is why my little one year old niece always kisses her hand. I continued holding it as were bonding and I'm feeding her. Suddenly there is a strong grip on my hand!! I looked at Kerstin and she's looking directly into my eyes with a big smile on her face. I said to her, "You're squeezing my hand!" Without any hesitation, she squeezes it again! Four times in a row and at my command of "Can you squeeze my hand again?" She did so!!
My sweet girl is strong and a very determined little girl. No matter how tired I may become, which happens every single day, no matter how often I feel like I want to give it all it...those times have hit me. I know that if all that Kerstin has been through in her 13 years of life, I can and should be able to continue on! And continue on is what I will do!
She squeezed her momma's hand...
