[Darlene]

BLUE ROSES

Why do I always have to be the one that starts to do laundry and there's
no detergent? Well, I guess it was time for me to do my store run, which
included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags and Clorox. So off I go.

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the
checkout counter only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that
appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently
waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his
hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over
here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged,
and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting
to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I
said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm s hopping with my mother," he responded proudly.

"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name
is Hal."

"Hal like Halloween?" he asked.

"Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?"

"How old am I now Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from
the next aisle. "You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good good boy
and let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes
about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with
excitement because he was the center of someone's attention. He then
abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the
time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look
at him, much less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure and then
I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the
prompting of the Holy Spirit.

I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow and pink roses in God's
garden, however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for
their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a "Blue Rose" and if
someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that
rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who
are you?"

Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion but I sure love
living in God's garden."
Please the next time you see a BLUE ROSE don't turn your head and walk off,
take the time to smile and say Hello. Because by the grace of GOD this
mother could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece, nephew.
What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.

From another old dandelion.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God.