Before I knew it, this guy was describing Oscar's "look" to me. He referred to the way Oscar's goggles slip down making his ears stick out and smooshing his eyes. He swept his hand over his own face in a downward motion to indicate Oscar's low affect. While I was the one who mentioned that Oscar had special needs (and therefore should be allowed to stay in the shallow area since he could not yet swim a lap)...I was still somewhat offended.
Today, at Target, Abe got Oscar to try on some mirrored sunglasses. He had chosen a pair himself, needing something for his evening baseball practices and games when the descending sun can be so bright and distracting.
I debated about whether to let Oscar get them. They were $20. And they will get lost or broken. But, with these on, Oscar's low affect looks purposeful, even cool. And so I bought them. Because he is, you know, a very cool kid indeed.
And, for that matter, so is his big brother.
ps. the manager only had Oscar's safety in mind. he was letting me know he had noticed Oscar swimming in other areas of the pool. he was not, i don't think, intending to be disrespectful.
They BOTH look cool.
ReplyDeleteAnd I too would have been offended by someone mimicking my child. I have developed a rather steely response to inappropriate comments.
Sometimes it's just physical - not smiling or saying a word. That ususally gets the point across. Sometimes the denser folks need a bit more. I find saying someithing like "that's really not helpful or appropriate" in a very calm voice stops them cold.
And sometimes I do nothing. It just depends.
Oscar is cool... you either have it or you don't!
ReplyDeleteSally -- I'm with you. My response depends on my mood.:-) I usually go with a raised eyebrow at the very least.
ReplyDeleteAnon -- you are right. And he does have it!
I agree with Sally--they both are totally cool!
ReplyDeleteAnd I would love to see your raised eyebrow (though not directed at me, of course!)