French Fries & Inclusion
Where are my 80s and 90s babies that can sing the Crocodile Mile song? How about Skip It? Or, the boys who specifically remember the heavy metal banger that played over the “Crossfire” commercial. . .
“You’ll get caught up in a crossfire . . . crossfire . . . crossFIYAHHHHHHH”
I’ve always paid attention to the commercials. Maybe its not surprise that I chose a career in Sales and Marketing.
One particular commercial I remember featured a young man with down syndrome who worked at McDonalds. I’m sure it was a bold strategy for the franchise at the time. It was heartfelt. Genuine. Moving. A great piece of 80s nostalgia and a move toward inclusion.
We had one of our own moments like that just this week . . .
Miller has a girlfriend. We’re not sure how we got to his point so quickly, but here we are. And we’ve always told Miller, in preparation for his future, that he needs to meet somebody who treats Jude kindly. It’s a minimum requirement. A must for his future wife. I know it sounds extreme, and I know we’re not there yet, but we do try to prep him early and often.
Cut to this week. Miller’s girlfriend came over to hang out with him. And she brought. Jude a large order or fries - and a Sprite - from McDonalds. I was working, but Megan said that Jude was all smiles when she realized the treat was for her.
Miller, wanting Jude to show gratitude, grabbed Jude’s AAC tablet and prompted her. To my knowledge it’s the first time he’s helped her on the device.
Jude found the appropriate tile. The AAC Audio chirped. “Thank You."
“You’re welcome sweetheart”, she replied.
Megan told me the entire story one evening as I held back tears.
There’s so much to like about this story. Inclusion to the point of getting Jude’s exact order from McDonalds. Miller helping his sister. Miller not being embarrassed or ashamed. Jude navigating the AAC tablet.
As parents, we don’t often get to see the results of what we’re doing. We’re trying to raise kids right, teach them how to operate in the world, show them what it means to follow Jesus, show them what it means to treat all people with respect. That’s not to mention all the practical skills we try to impart.
So this short glimpse into Miller’s maturity - and his difficult but depending relationship with his sister - was a gift.
This week I’m extra grateful for french fries, Sprite . . .
and inclusion.
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:40