They Persisted

My children and I often frequent the public library in El Cajon. My oldest loves to run around and look at all the items the have in the children’s section, she is incredibly curious. My youngest loves their toys and Lego wall. Now to best explain why this moment meant so much to us, I have to first tell you about my oldest child. She is 6 and has moderate autism, which can make everyday things more challenging for her. She is semi-verbal and usually responds with a few words, she’s also a high sensory seeker and will run around everywhere and occasionally make noise. She is usually very happy, curious and kind, but can have very difficult moments during meltdowns. I remember 2 individuals that have, not only remembered us despite our visits being sporadic, but were understanding and more than willing to help every time we were there. Now I’m awful with names, so I’ll describe them as best as I can. One was a man, with light brown hair that wore a lanyard with lots of neat pins (violet evergarden, Harry Potter, etc). The other was a woman, with glasses and long curly black hair. We usually saw them at the desk in the children’s section and they’d always say hi to us, we can’t recall their names, but me and my kids can pick them out and recognize them right away. They always took their time if we had questions, and were always willing to help and walk with us to find books. They were patient with my oldest and always tried to interact with her, whether she acknowledged them or not, they always say hi and I greatly appreciate that.

My daughter kept repeatedly saying phrases from a book we read at the library the first time we went there, but I could not remember their names whatsoever. In my attempts to find the book I went up to the children’s desk and told them (they were both there that day) everything I remembered from the book, which turned into all 3 of us trying to find this book for my daughter. It took awhile, but that didn’t deter them, nor did they turn me away at all. Finally, by pure luck I had found it and told them the title. Unfortunately, they didn’t have it, but another library did have it in stocked and they told me it could be delivered to them, I immediately said yes. It took about a week, but I went in and was treated by the woman, who walked me over to where I could find the book. My daughter was SO HAPPY. She had me read that book everyday until we had to return it, it made her day every time. This might not seem like a big deal, but for us, it was huge. Not everyone would be patient and help find a needle in a haystack for the sake of my child, because they wouldn’t see how much it would mean for her. Unfortunately, not everyone in this world is kind, and we have seen firsthand how people will disregard my daughter or forget that she’s just a kid whose trying to enjoy life. This small thing they did for us is a memory we’ll always have, because essentially what they said to my kid is that she matters and they hear her and they are going to try for her. My oldest is very straightforward, if she likes you, she likes you and if she doesn’t, she doesn’t. I can absolutely tell she recognizes who these 2 people are, she’ll look at them and smile or laugh, she’ll go near them a lot and I can tell she’s comfortable, and that is big praise coming from her.

The book was “Two Birthdays” by Tim Hopgood

If they ever read this, they’ll probably remember us, and if they do, THANK YOU! We really appreciate your kindness!