An odd thing happened at the square tonight
 

I took my son who is 37 years old and in a wheelchair to Brownwood tonight to listen to the music. It was Carole Ann and she was great.

I got him all set up in his usual spot in front of the stage, but to the side (so he wouldn't block anyone's view) and I got my chair and was sitting near the bleachers to listen to the entertainment.

A man came up to me and said that he had been told by other people and entertainers that they think it's rude for me to put him by the stage and just leave him there. Needless to say, I was at a loss for words. I wanted to retort back to him that it was not his business, but I didn't. I asked him specifically who told him that. But he wouldn't say.

I did tell him that my son was a Village resident and that one of his favorite things to do is listen to music. I told him that the entertainment was darned lucky to have a good audience who really loves the music. I also gently told him that if any entertainers didn't like a good audience that they should find a different line of work.

After the encounter, I just sat in my chair and started to feel very hurt by his remarks. I started thinking about all the horrible things I could have said to him, but of course I didn't. But I am still a little bit shaken by the fact that some people don't understand what it's like not to be able to see 10 feet in front of you, and have to depend on your parents to take you everywhere.

One of the principal reasons we moved to The Villages was the live entertainment every day of the year.

I am just happy that this is really the first time anyone has been so blatantly unkind to me since we moved here in 2011.

I've seen your son many times in front of the stage, and each time, my eyes fill with tears of joy, seeing him enjoy the music so, so much.

Our friends and visiting relatives feel the same way and have commented to us that it is wonderful seeing people with disabilities out there having fun like everyone else.

I suspect that the so-called man who said that "other people and entertainers" said that they think it's rude for you to put him by the stage and just leave him there.....didn't have the guts to say this was his own bone-headed judgement of the matter.

And I doubt the singers/players said anything like that. If anything, they would enjoy performing for someone as enthusiastic as your son or others with similar disabilities/wheelchair who are up front near the band.

If he would do that again, tell him it's none of his business and he'll have to find another listener for his mean-spirited talk.

Connie. It was totally sad you had to experience such a rude person to make inappropriate comments like he did. He had no right to make the comments he made and assign himself to speak for others. His actions and words were so blatantly wrong. As a fellow villager and friend both my wife and I feel bad you had to deal with this. Don't let people like him to bother you or discourage your family from enjoying the entertainment we all have the right to enjoy.

Thanks!

Great to get such a supportive response. I was just so flabbergasted when he actually made a point of coming up to me that I couldn't think of a quick reply!

Mouth Open
How would you even respond to such IDIOTS!

I'm so sorry this happened, Connie. Wow. I'm at a loss for words just hearing this story.

So sorry to hear this. You can't change rude!

I too am so sorry that you experienced this boorish comment and agree with the other posters that it is highly likely he is speaking only for himself. You handled the situation with grace and perhaps that sent a message to him.

I, too, have seen your son there. It's now rude to leave him at the stage so he can enjoy the performance? Pffffftttt...that idiot didn't know what he was talking about. Maybe he thinks its rude, but until he's been in your son's shoes for even half a day, he needs to shut up and mind his own business.

Connie, I am so mad and hurt for you all at the same time. I want you to know that one of the things about this place I love are people like you and Patrick and his wonderful dad too.

I want to find that man and beat him up and I wish that we all could have been there with you when he said these hateful, cruel, and wrong things.

I don't believe for a MINUTE that anyone else thought anything even similar to what he said.

Damn it. I am furious.

Hugs. Hugs. Hugs. Hugs and tears too.

Don't let the bastards grind you down. Illegitimi non carborundum! Saw this on a plaque in back of a blues singer a few days ago on CBS Nightly News.

I doubt if that person spoke for anything except his own stupidity and lack of empathy.

I'm sorry this happened to you. For the life of me I can not think of even a stupid reason why this person should care if your son sat where he sat. Try your best to just write it off as selfish ignorance and don't let it change the way you and your son enjoy the Villages lifestyle.

I, too, have seen your son at Brownwood and was happy he was able to have such a good location to listen to and watch the evening's performance.
It doesn't matter what others think, your son is happy and that's what is really important.

What people say and do reflects who they are inside. I'm ashamed for him.

How horrible!!! My heart goes out to you for having to encountered such a rude and thoughtless individual! Bless you and your family and hope you can continue to enjoy this wonderful place we call home. All that counts is that your son is happy!!!