One Fish, Two Fish

We were celebrating Jessica and Michael's birthday tonight, and although it was not an official play date with David, it was still remarkable enough to note down. The family had been out of town for a week and Ed and I had been sick the following week, so some time had past since we had last seen David. Sometimes, it seems he needs a little time to accept change, so he will stay in the background when a new person arrives on the scene, but tonight he greeted us quickly, and was more than willing to give us hugs.

At one point he asked us to read him 'One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish' .. yes he does ask for it by it's whole title. I told him to go get the book and I would read it to him, he took a moment to think about it and then left. Within a few minutes he was back with the book and we clapped and praised him for bringing it to us. I was preparing to read it, when he pushed Ed further along the couch and then planted himself in between and faced us. He then proceeded to 'read' the book to us, looking at us as he said the words, and only looking away to turn the pages. We don't really know if he can read, but even if it is only said from memory, it is amazing. Not so much that he had said the words from the book, but from the total interaction he was giving us. Almost like he had set out to entertain us, or at least show us how clever he was that he could read it to us. I found a tear or two running down my cheek, as I thought back to that two year old boy who had such a love of being read to, and of him finishing the sentences as you read them. It was a little glimpse into the past and hopefully a good sign for the future.

When it came time to sing Happy Birthday and blow out the candles, David was right there singing along with us and helping blow out the candles. He was so excited, that we re-lit the candles and let him blow them out several times. This was the first time in many years that he had been so animated about a birthday. He was just so joyful tonight, I almost didn't want the night to end.