To the Mom At a Baseball Game Whose Daughter Asked About My Wheelchair

Dear Random Mom,

You don’t know me from a hole in the wall, and I highly doubt you even remember this event. In the summer of 2018 both of us were at a minor league baseball game in downtown Richmond. I was with my stepdad and you were with your little girl.

Halfway through the game it starting pouring down rain. While everyone was seeking shelter from the rain, we happened to pass each other in the bathroom. As I went into the disability accessible stall, I heard your daughter ask, “Mommy, why is she in a wheelchair?”

I honestly wasn’t sure what your response to her was going to be, but what you said left me teary-eyed that day. You kindly explained to your daughter the reason I wish most parents would use instead of just shushing their child. You told your daughter that I use a wheelchair because sometimes, people just need a little bit of help getting around, just like she would sometimes need a stroller. This tiny child who was probably only 4 or 5 years old said, “Oh, OK!” and continued on like it never even happened.

To this mom, thank you! Thank you for not just shushing your little girl or telling not to talk about me, or not to look at me. Thank you for taking the time to explain to her that sometimes I do need a little bit of help. Thank you for being a role model for your daughter. Most of all, thank you for helping me be comfortable with going out in public without the fear of someone judging me. This is an event I will never forget. Please keep doing what you’re doing.

Sincerely,
The Girl in the Wheelchair