Kenney Poem by Lizzy Scott

Kenney

While I was sitting in a cafeteria, I noticed a boy walk by, probably in his late teens, early twenties. He was with his mother, and she got him some pizza and sat him down in a chair. Leaving, I noticed that this boy was mentally retarded, and gauged it to be 3rd degree retardation.
Leaving him to go and do her shopping, she said “Kenney, Stay right here.” Kenney responded with a nonchalant “Mhmm” but with the attention skills of someone in an important job interview.
As I watched Kenney, he waited till his mother had left the building, and after looking around very intently, he folded his hands together and mumbled a very long, well thought out prayer. I listened intently to hear what he was saying, because I was very intrigued by him.
Closing his eyes, He started his prayer. “Umm, dear God, I thank you for this food, and… Uh… I thank you for my mommy…) Grinning from ear to ear, I listened harder, but most of it I couldn’t for the life of me, understand. After about a minute, he paused, and then said “Amen”.
Pulling his pizza closer to him, he started at it, with such well behaved manners for his condition that I was amazed. Taken aback, I watched him from a distance where I was sitting, and thought how inspiring this boy was to me.
When his mother came back, she asked him “Kenney, did you enjoy your food? ” Again, Kenney responded with a quick “Mhmm” Then, motioning with her hands and putting them together as if she was praying, she said “Kenney, did you do this? ” Once again, with much enthusiasm Kenney replied with a very loud “Mhmm! ” Almost jumping out of his chair.
At this point I was beaming and trying not to laugh at his enthusiasm. After they had left, I pondered this for a while. Kenney may have been mentally retarded, But he had more enthusiasm then many people ever have.
What had gone through my mind, and is still going through my mind as I write this, is that Kenney was in good condition for the condition he was in. How many people do you see when you’re in a restaurant or café that take the time to pray a well thought out prayer? Kenney knew what he had, and he thanked God for even the smallest things. Honestly though, You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.
I can’t put into words all that Kenney taught me in those 15 minutes he was sitting there, but his simplicity, his faith like a child was so endearing. I hope I’m not the only person who has gotten something from Kenney’s simple, humble, but also wise ways, And I hope that he leaves a mark on someone wherever he goes.
This is my short story of Kenney.