A Heartfelt Thank You to the Wendy’s Cashier Who Embraced My Special Needs Child

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Dear Lisa, the wonderful cashier at Wendy’s,

Today, my 10-year-old son and I visited your restaurant during your shift. When you asked him how he was doing, I could see the surprise on your face as he responded in his usual jumbled way. You glanced at me, then back at him, navigating the familiar dance that comes with our everyday life. In my role as his constant speech and language coach, I encouraged, “You can say, ‘I’m good!’”

But then you truly surprised me. Instead of seeking my assistance for his order, you turned to him directly. He managed to communicate, and you leaned closer, saying, “I think you want a cup of water. Is that right?” He nodded vigorously. “Are you not getting anything to eat? What else?” After a flurry of excited but unclear words from him, you gently reminded him to slow down, and he did. “Fries,” he said, albeit not perfectly. “What size?” you asked, and he replied, “Medium.” “Awesome… anything else?” You looked at me, but I shook my head while he confidently declared, “Nope!”

What you didn’t realize as we may have momentarily held up the line is that my son has childhood apraxia of speech. Yet, you didn’t treat him as someone needing pity or assistance. You treated him as an equal customer, allowing him to own the moment. You presumed his competence—not your interpretation of what that meant, but his own. You gave him the time he needed and even asked for his name to put on the order screen, checking for the correct spelling as he beamed with pride.

You likely didn’t expect any recognition for your kindness, nor did you act with the intention of being applauded for your efforts. You simply wanted a 10-year-old at your counter to place his order, just like any other child on a Friday afternoon.

Advocacy and inclusion can be complex. When they stem from genuine equality and empathy, they become powerful forces for good. However, when authenticity is missing, even well-meaning gestures can unintentionally marginalize individuals. By allowing my child to be prom king or take the final shot in a game out of kindness, people often overlook his intrinsic worthiness.

So, Lisa, your sincere approach to advocacy is the kind that can reshape societal views on disability. Thank you for a wonderful lunch and for instilling hope in my heart.

Sincerely,
His mom

Further Reading

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In summary, this heartfelt letter expresses gratitude towards a Wendy’s cashier who treated a special needs child with respect and dignity. The author emphasizes the importance of authentic advocacy and inclusion while highlighting the impact of genuine connections in everyday interactions.