When Ed entered the playroom tonight David went over to the slide and lay beneath it, then he mimicked Ed's impersonation of Mickey. I have come to believe this is David's way of saying hello.
We were playing ring around the rosy with David and having a lot of interaction and eye contact from him. Joseph heard us laughing and came to join us. For a little while David seemed happy with this and Joseph joined with David in running back and forth across the room and quoting from something. Then David pushed Joseph and quoted something, I can't recall the words he used but his meaning was clear - that this was his time. Ed took Joseph out of the room and David asked for the orange pumpkin puzzle, which I searched for, with no results. While we were in the closet he chose a book and sat and just turned the pages, with a glazed look on his face. I tried to get his attention several times but he was completely zoned out. I just lay beside him, watching his face, and tried to show him that I accept that he was taking some time for himself, and that I would be here if he should change his mind.
We were quiet for about 12 minutes, then he looked at me and asked for 'My first book of opposites' - please. It makes me giggle that he uses the whole title of the book. I read one page and then David told me the opposite. He especially liked the loud and quiet page. I acted out LOUD! by raising my voice, enough so that David jumped a little, and he laughed then he held up his finger and whispered quiet. Then he said HA! loudly and I pretended to jump. We played this back and forth numerous times.
Julie asked us how our time with David in the play room has impacted our lives. I would have to say that by accepting David the way he is now, and not for who he may become, is teaching me that I should also accept myself for who I am, I have a lot to learn in this area, that's for sure. I am able to leave all my anxieties at the door and just enjoy the spirit that David brings, he is like a breath of fresh air to my soul. He is the embodiment of hope. As I hope for all the good things in life for David, I realize that I too have choices that I can make, to make my life even more rewarding.
One thing I have never felt in David's presence is despair. He is a courageous little boy much like David in the Bible. He faced insurmountable odds against victory in defeating the giant, but with faith and obedience to God's word, David took that small stone and he did slay Goliath. I think it is no coincidence that David is named after this Bible hero, that even though the odds may be against him he will fight his giant called Autism, and he will have victory.
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