As I turned into the entrance of Walmart, I began to realize that I, in fact, didn’t have time to get everything on my list and began to turn around in the parking lot, opting to visit Walmart the next day. Victoria realized that I was moving further away from the store entrance and began grunting in protest. I giggled after hearing her “voice” her opinion! I decided to just go in through the garden center and only get two of the items on my list since I needed to pick my other two girls up from school shortly. At least Victoria would be able to make a quick trip in to get “Walmart” out of her system!

I usually plop Victoria in the seat of a buggy so I can keep up with her easily in the store. She can walk VERY well now and could definitely handle walking all over that store, but there is no way I could get any shopping done. On this day, however, I decided since I only would get a few items from my list … I thought I’d let her walk through the store with me, holding my hand. I’ve not ever done this before, mind you! Victoria was so giddy as she walked through the store with me! It was quite funny. She would laugh and run in place because she was so excited. She felt like such a “big girl.” She waved at every single person that crossed our path and talked to almost every one of those folks. Of course, everyone laughed or smiled at how cute she was and waved back at her.

I remember when Victoria was a newborn. One of the things that I grieved over was the thought that we would now be a family that folks stare at when we walk into Walmart or some public place because we have a child that looks different. Yesterday, as we walked through Walmart, I felt such joy holding Victoria’s hand. I felt proud to be her momma. I bubbled up inside seeing her bring smiles to those around her. And, I felt blessed. Blessed to know that God has given me and my family such a special gift.

With every passing day and every trip to a public place … I come to treasure those moments. I think, “What in the world was I grieving over??” I now look forward to the times that Victoria gets special attention from strangers we meet. I realize that God uses those moments to minister to people around us. Not only can my “special” little girl bring smiles to passers by, but it gives me and my family an open door to show those around us a little of God’s love.

I’m so thankful that God continues to disprove all the myths I had looming in my head about raising a child with special needs. And, I’m glad that anytime I have a bad day … I can grab Victoria up and drive to Walmart to take a walk (without buying a single thing) … and I’ll feel better by the time we walk out the door to go home!