[cquick]

Originally Posted by outlaw

I hear you. You are possibly coming from a different perspective than this man? How many people have committed suicide because people minded their own business instead of trying to help those people. Yet, when someone does interject, the first thing that others say is "mind your own business".

Thank you for your opinion. I am the original poster, and I appreciate all the ideas posted. I didn't tell the man to mind his own business, actually I realized that he thought I was neglecting my disabled person. But if he had waited or had seen my husband and I taking care of him, he would have known that my son prefers to sit close to the band so he can see them. I just think he thought that it wasn't right to sit there, instead of out in the audience.

[cquick]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I was going to yell at you but I reread it twice and I get what you are saying.

I know Connie and her family. I understand as much as a person who is not living her life day to day can understand. I honor her and love her and her equally devoted husband for showing us what unconditional love is.

I know first hand the mistakes that a parent of a handicapped child can make. Always walking between the lines of too much and too little help and protection and trying to get it right so your child feels some level of freedom to feel just like other people.

I have had well meaning people offer all kinds of suggestions to do something we tried and it didn't work years ago. Most of us with normal children struggle to do the right thing and usually get it right but not always.

At the very least. It was NONE of his business and Patrick was safe with hundreds of eyes who saw him nightly and would never allow harm to come to him.

It is just common sense, and common courtesy to hold your tongue sometimes. I don't know how that guy got to be a senior citizen without knowing someone first hand in a very similar situation and because of that developing a little.....respect? restraint?.

We are all peddling as fast as we can. We need to learn from each other.

Dear Gracie, thank you again. I think this episode has really opened people's eyes to the different types of human beings living here in The Villages. And I have always felt safe here, whether I am alone with my son, or when he is with both my husband and I.

Love the Villages and the Villagers!

[BritParrothead]

Connie, it was not 'odd'. It was a mean and nasty thing to say!! Rotten little twerp ( I had to change my language there!)
You just carry on, and let your son enjoy himself!

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by cquick

Thank you for your opinion. I am the original poster, and I appreciate all the ideas posted. I didn't tell the man to mind his own business, actually I realized that he thought I was neglecting my disabled person. But if he had waited or had seen my husband and I taking care of him, he would have known that my son prefers to sit close to the band so he can see them. I just think he thought that it wasn't right to sit there, instead of out in the audience.

Based on your posts, I knew/assumed you didn't tell the man to mind his own business. I gathered you were rather stunned at the time, and therefore speechless, as I would have been. I was really referring to the posters that were saying to "mind his own business". It's interesting that you stated you realized he thought you were neglecting your son, which is really what I was saying all along. Don't get me wrong. I don't think you were neglecting your son. I just thought maybe the man only approached you out of concern for your son. Most posters overwhelmingly jumped to the conclusion that this man was just being mean and attacked you because your son was placed close to the stage. Could he have waited to see you care for your son? Yes. But none of us are perfect. At least, if indeed he was watching out for your son, he did get involved, although, maybe not in the most tactful way. BTW, when did you come to the realization that the man was just concerned about your son being neglected? Just curious.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by outlaw

... It's interesting that you stated you realized he thought you were neglecting your son, which is really what I was saying all along. Don't get me wrong. I don't think you were neglecting your son. I just thought maybe the man only approached you out of concern for your son. ... At least, if indeed he was watching out for your son, he did get involved, although, maybe not in the most tactful way. BTW, when did you come to the realization that the man was just concerned about your son being neglected? Just curious.

I'm not so sure I buy this argument. Look at the OP---"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."

He did not say he was concerned for Patrick's safety since he saw him sitting there alone. He did not say HE was concerned at all. He stated "other people and entertainers" thought it was RUDE. This seems to have quite a different connotation that simply a concerned individual with a poor choice of words

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

I'm not so sure I buy this argument. Look at the OP---"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."

He did not say he was concerned for Patrick's safety since he saw him sitting there alone. He did not say HE was concerned at all. He stated "other people and entertainers" thought it was RUDE. This seems to have quite a different connotation that simply a concerned individual with a poor choice of words

That's where the part about not being tactful comes into play.

[ScorpioSquared]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

BUT.

It was none of his business, and he should have waited and watched and noticed the caring love you always show Patrick, before he ran his mouth.

Totally agree...none of his business. It amazes me how some folks feel they're the moral compass for others. As adults we know there are times stepping in is necessary. This wasn't one of them. I'm so over people like this! I don't know that I could have responded any better than the OP...than again I have not had medical intervention for my menopause symptoms so anything is possible.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by ScorpioSquared

Totally agree...none of his business. It amazes me how some folks feel they're the moral compass for others. As adults we know there are times stepping in is necessary. This wasn't one of them. I'm so over people like this! I don't know that I could have responded any better than the OP...than again I have not had medical intervention for my menopause symptoms so anything is possible.

Whatever his intentions were, his words and manner left a lot to be desired.

I proper concerned response was not expressed. IMHO

Maybe he should check his own moral compass! It seems out of whack to me.

[Lauren Sweeny]

It says a lot about the readers on this site who were so thoughtful to take the time to share their views and general disgust of the treatment to Connie's son . It is heartwarming to read that people care and support each other . Bravo !

[ron122049]

Connie,
UNFORTUNATELY, The Villages is home to some people who despite all the activities here have nothing better to do than BITCH & COMPLAIN about things that are none of their business. I too recently received an anonymous complaint delivered by the sheriff about something that was none of anyone else's business. People who make anonymous complaints are COWARDS!

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by ron122049

Connie,
UNFORTUNATELY, The Villages is home to some people who despite all the activities here have nothing better to do than BITCH & COMPLAIN about things that are none of their business. I too recently received an anonymous complaint delivered by the sheriff about something that was none of anyone else's business. People who make anonymous complaints are COWARDS!

Care to elucidate regarding the complaint that involved the law showing up at your door??

[cquick]

Originally Posted by outlaw

BTW, when did you come to the realization that the man was just concerned about your son being neglected? Just curious.

Well, I actually don't think he thought that. I think he just didn't like seeing the wheelchair up next to the stage. He said it was rude.

[graciegirl]

Connie. I just love you to pieces.

[Duckfinger2]

I am sorry that this happened, I hope you do not let this stop you and Patrick from enjoying the music.
Here is a thought instead of a sign that says I am here for the music.
Have a sign that says my name is Patrick I am here to enjoy the music,
and all the people here who support you and Patrick.

Have a sign that says "We are here with Patrick ! "

That way no one has to fill in try you thoughts

[Mrs. Robinson]

It may be hard to believe, but I am furious that this happened to you. That man displayed unexcusable behavior.

In retrospect, you should have told him it was none of his business or whatever thoughts you were thinking, but squelched. You would have been no less the lady you are. Sometimes stupid people need to be put in their place.