Aidan’s Smile
When I see Aidan smile, I know he understands love and family; he knows who I am; he’s in there.
Having a child who is non-verbal is frustrating on so many levels. I’ve often been asked what he understands. Because he doesn’t have a consistent communication method, it’s hard to know. Sometimes people wonder if Aidan recognizes them. Certainly there are professionals in his life that have to “prove” his knowledge and keep accurate data regarding his progress.
I can just watch him smile. When he’s super excited, Aidan’s smile is accompanied by a full body wiggle giggle reserved for his favorite people. I’m actually not one of them. If I show up at school, I generally get the stink eye or quivery lip. I’m ok with that because he’s telling me school is more fun than home. Sometimes Aidan simply leans forward, touches forehead to forehead, and smiles with his eyes.
When Aidan smiles, I see love.
********
Shared with Ellen Stumbo
A smile that melts your heart. A smile that’s worth a million words! Bethany sometimes has those smiles!
Oh Heather, I see love too! Thanks you for sharing that big smile from your boy!
(And Nichole greets me in a similar way when I pick her up at school…because she wants daddy. She even throws herself on the floor in reproach)
So glad to know I’m not alone on that one!
Sometimes a smile is everything!
I LOVE a full body smile!