By Cathy Jameson

I’m more excited than my kids are about the start of a brand new school year.  Don’t get me wrong, spending the last few weeks with my children has been good.  Their long summer days, our late morning wake-ups, the outings we’ve gotten to do both in and out of town have kept our spirits high.  But it’s time we get back into a good routine again.  That routine will include school and some extracurricular activities like the kids’ sporting events.  Usually the highlight of my day, I love to go to their games.  Ronan isn’t always a big fan, but I try to get to as many events as he can handle. 

While he and I join the rest of the fans courtside or at the field, we’re usually approached by several friendly faces.  Mostly close friends who know our story intimately, we get to see a few other folks regularly while we’re out as well.  I’m grateful for when they nod or offer a polite hello as we walk by, but I can tell that they aren’t sure what to say or do when they see Ronan.  Not wanting to make them any more uncomfortable than they already seem, I thought of a few things they, and others in similar situations, might want to try when they see us next. 

Wave.  Ronan knows how to wave back. 

Say hi.  A quick, simple hello does wonders to my soul. 

Ask.  Ask how I’m doing.  Ask how Ronan is doing. 

Listen.  I’m a stay-at-home mom.  Some days, you may be the first adult I’ve gotten to talk to all day.  I miss adult interaction, so I apologize in advance if I get a little too Chatty Cathy with you. J

Be you.  We’ve obviously crossed paths for a reason.  Keep that connection going by telling me something happy or hopeful that’s happened to you. When you’re done catching up with me, talk to Ronan.  You know he can’t reply, but simply acknowledging what he’s doing is nice.  Tell him something like – You must really enjoy that game on your iPad, Ronan.  Look how well you’re doing!  Or note what he’s eating – What a fun snack you’ve got there!  Or pay him a compliment like you would any other kid – You’re doing a great job watching your sister play!  She must love seeing you here at her game. 

Those remarks will not be lost on Ronan.  He hears you.  He sees you.  He knows when people are being genuine and when they are not.  When you shower him with kindness, you shower all of us with kindness.  So, spread that love around!  I’m not saying you have to do it all the time, but one happy hello or one quick wave in his and my general direction really does go a long way.  Plus, if your children are close by and see you being positively in tune with us, they’ll pick up on what to do next time they run into us at other sporting events or at future school activities.