“Please, give us a smile.” 
This is the message from the mum of a disabled little boy, as she shares a day in her life in a powerful diary entry.
On this day, she gets shouted at, she cries, and it’s overall utterly overwhelming. But for Sarah, it’s a fairly normal day.
This is a tough read, but we hope you think of it next time you’re around someone in a similar position. A little act of human kindness, or even a glimmer of understanding in your eyes as you shoot them a smile, can go a long way. Sarah says the easiest things usually help the most. 
Saturday, May 2, 2026
I took Ivor to the Techniquest science museum in Cardiff today.
I lifted him out of the car and steadied him. But he shook free of my hand and darted away from me, completely unaware of the traffic. I dropped my bags and ran after him, carrying him as far as I could manage.
Exhausted already. Already starting to wonder if this was a good idea. It’s easier just to stay at home.
As soon as we were inside the museum, Ivor ran towards the water display. He seemed pretty calm next to me, but suddenly grabbed a young girl’s hair as she bent down in front of him. He then tried to pinch her face to get her attention, because he can’t talk. I jumped in and said “no” and pulled him away, but he kept flapping his arms and fighting me. He doesn’t understand.
The girl’s Mum was sympathetic, but I saw the fleeting look of worry in her eyes, and heard her quietly tell her daughter to stay away from the disabled boy.
Back off. Reset. Hide.
At the museum shop, I let go of Ivor’s hand for seconds while paying. When I looked up, he had already moved ahead into the café area. He tried to take food from a stranger’s plate because he was hungry. When the woman shouted, Ivor became confused, pulled her hair and held on. I ran over to take Ivor away, apologising profusely – as she and her husband then turned and shouted angrily at me.
So hot. I cry.
We sat down for lunch, but Ivor became agitated and threw my cup of coffee onto the floor, splashing the legs of another customer. As I dropped to my knees to clean up the spill, Ivor scattered my purse and his water bottle across the seating area.
Exasperated. Deflated. We need to go home.
Sarah has also shared some positive, “golden moments” that have stayed with her and give her comfort. Notice how they’re all quite simple!
A stranger comes over to me, as I sit crying with Ivor on my lap in a cafe, and simply puts her arms around me.
Our bus driver smiles and asks us how we are, every single morning.
The warm, understanding embrace of my Angelman Mum friend.
A kind doctor kneels gently beside Ivor to look at his foot, when no-one else will.
The lifeguards at our pool patiently bring Ivor a watering-can and a cup every time, just because they know.
The lady in the supermarket crouches down, smiling, and gives Ivor a hug.
A little boy wraps his arms around Ivor at a party, to protect him from the balloons. His Mum puts her hand on mine and asks if I’m okay.
The girl at the reception desk in Techniquest gives me a reassuring smile when I’m on my knees.
She added “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. These simple acts of human kindness help more than you can imagine. A moment of warmth and kindness. Empathy, reassurance and understanding. Without the need for words.”
