My heart is broken this evening after reading the post below. There is no doubt that this has been a really crappy year – there is not one family who hasn’t been touched by Covid-19. It might have been a loss of a loved one or a family member spending time in hospital to recover. It’s been hard on those who have had to stay at home too.
Facing into the second lockdown many parents will have been concerned about their childrens' mental health having to spend more time away from their friends. We know having our kids couped up in the house is not good for anyone, parents or children alike, so when we read this story shared by a MummyPages mum, it made us incredibly angry and sad.
This mum's son was taking a break from being stuck in his home to take a trip to the local shops in Rathfarnham. He has a degenerative illness which has led to him being wheelchair bound with poor vision.
This is what she shared:
"On one evening this week my son made a regular journey in his wheelchair, from Templeroan over to SuperValu via the walkway through Dargle Wood. The journey took place around five in the evening as light was fading.
As he reached the crossing paths, one of a few teens hanging around there shouted ‘handicapped’. The group then approached him and one demanded whatever money had. My son is of the belief that at least one may have had a knife but as he has poor vision, so is not 100% positive about this.
When he responded that he hadn’t got a wallet or any money one of the group of teens told he others that they should leave him alone. As a family we are so grateful for the courage that this teen showed in standing up for my son.
Upon arriving home my son said nothing to any of us. He has been in terrible form all week and constantly complaining of pain and not being able to sleep. Last night he told his brother what had happened and was then supported to tell us. We will report the incident to the Gardaí in Rathfarnham today.
Can you imagine the toll that this event has taken on my son? The simple joy of that break from the house has been stolen from him. The chance to get out and feel safe his own community is gone. The fact that he couldn’t speak about the event hints at the trauma he has endured.
As a proud mum of sons, I’m asking the mums and dads to speak to their sons. To talk to them about dignity and the long-term damage that robbing someone of their dignity does.
When we know better, we do better."
The wheelchair bound boy in this story is my nephew Sam - it makes my blood boil to think that there are teens out there that could do this. The damage the little sh*ts have done in doing this is untold. I'm reminding my teens that this type of behaviour, no matter how 'funny' people think it is at the time, is just wrong and that it's always right to stand up to do the right thing. Will you talk to your kids too?
Well done to the teen in this story who stood up and made himself heard. Your mum and dad should be proud.
Sandra McKenna - Founder, MummyPages
