So much of our time as parents to kids with special needs is spent helping and defending our children, that as April Awareness is here, I thought it would be a great thing to share qualities my son has that I WISH I did. Qualities that would help so many of us achieve our goals and grow in so many ways!
Here is my list of 7 qualities I wish I had:
1. His exceptional memory.
Marky can tell us how many movies he has seen over the last 9 years. He can tell us the date of things we did years ago, and he can give you directions to a place he has been to, even if it was only once. I can’t recall what I did yesterday on most mornings and am lost without a GPS!
2. His inability to lie.
Marky speaks his truth! You may not want to know that your breath smells or that he threw his dinner away, but he is going to let you know. Many times you won’t even have to ask.
3. He is not embarrassed.
He will dance in a store, ask someone he does not know a question about the game they are playing, or walk to the front of the line at a bathroom (because he HAS to go) without ever wondering what people think about him. He doesn’t give thought to being judged and he doesn't judge others. Imagine that?
4. His attention to detail/order.
In all he does, he has his routine and does it without being asked. Once he knows what is expected, he knows what to do. Whether it is showering before school, studying for his spelling test, or cleaning up after dinner - it gets done. I do not need to ask Marky where something is, he knows!
5. He is happy.
Kindness is his way. Most things he does, he does with a smile. He finds joy in it all. School is always “great”. New adventures are exciting and what he has is enough.
6. He could ride roller coasters all day, every day.
The more spins, loops, and drops the better! He is not fearful and the smile consumes his being!
7. He is so logical.
He can remove emotion and make decisions. He also is literal, so things are very black-and-white. I know my husband would love for me to have this ability when at a restaurant or deciding what to wear!
Life brings him joy. His enthusiasm and happiness are contagious. People know who he is and smile when he is around.
I continue to learn from him as I guide him on this path of life. Ironic, right?
Carissa Garabedian is the publisher of knowdifferent.net and mother to a special needs child in Richmond, Virginia. Carissa also publishes the award-winning Macaroni Kid of Richmond, VA.
