By While Others Disapproved, Kind Stranger Laid on the Ground to Calm Her Son Amid Meltdown
Heroic feats come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them require courage in the face of danger, others are the result of a simple random act of compassion.
Natalie Fernando was taking her 5-year-old autistic son Rudy (affectionately known as “Roo”) for a walk by the sea when the little boy collapsed.
“My son loves to walk but hates to turn around and walk back, we usually try to walk in a loop to avoid this but on his favorite boat hike we have no choice but to turn around. This will often lead to a breakdown, one that I can normally handle, but after two weeks out of school today it was too much for him and me, ”Fernando explained about her. Facebook page, Better to be different.
The Southend-on-Sea promenade is a popular place to stroll in Essex, England. Knowing that she and Rudy were attracting attention and that her son’s outburst could last an hour, Fernando apologized, but was soon subjected to reproachful looks and comments from passersby.
It was then that a complete stranger named Ian stopped to ask if he was okay. When Fernando explained what was happening, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he lay down on the floor next to Rudy and started a conversation.
The calm maneuver quickly changed the situation. After Rudy regained his composure, Ian walked Roo and his mother back to their car.
“I wish there were more of this man and I am more than grateful,” said Fernando. “I will not forget your kindness … Thank you, Ian from Southend Sea Front, you really are a kind man.”
In addition to his gratitude, Fernando hopes that those who hear the story of Ian’s selfless behavior can inspire others to look more deeply before making social judgments themselves.
“There’s a lot going on right now, ‘In a world where you can be anything, be nice,’” he wrote. “Words are easy, these actions are not always so easy. This man is living the words and couldn’t be more grateful.
“If you see a struggling parent, maybe take the time to say, ‘Are you okay?’ Don’t judge the parents, try not to judge the child, just be nice.
“We all walk our own path and navigate the journey to the best of our ability. Sometimes it takes a moment of kindness from a complete stranger to completely change your day. “
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