While in Wal-mart today, the very lovely cashier was talking to me and commenting on how cute Liam was. She loved his shoes and was asking me where I got them. As I moved through the line and had now planted myself in front of the machine to pay, I watched her watching him. I knew something was coming, but I was prepared to answer any questions she might have. I welcome them. What I did not expect was another assumption that my son had a chromosomal disorder.
Cashier: "He is so cute. My friend has a son that looks just like your son."
Me: Smiling.
Cashier: "He has Down's Syndrome, right?"
Me: Thinking (ARGHHH NO, Are you kidding me?!) But only saying a very flat, "No". Pause. "He has cerebral palsy."
Cashier: "Oh, he is so sweet."
I didn't bother to explain anything further and she didn't ask. I honestly wonder about these people. It's happened twice now and neither time has the person apologized for assuming a syndrome on my child. Honestly, although irritated at the labeling happening again, I am not angry over it. I am just absolutely flabbergasted.
If anything, I hope she doesn't automatically assume anymore that any child coming through with some sort of special needs, like Liam's, has Down's Syndrome.
I would have been so embarrassed had I been in her shoes.