I have no idea how or why this week is different from last week. Why are James' reactions - to the same old things - different? Why is he able to respond to me today when previously, he couldn't and/or wouldn't? Hands down, autism is one of the most bizarre experiences of my life. It awes me daily, sometimes to the point of tears, those of frustration, of exhaustion, and, sometimes - unbelievably - of joy. This morning, James climbed on top of me when I wasn't roused by his bounding into the bedroom. I peered through my lashes to see his head only inches from my face, smiling. Where the heck was his Dad? I don't open my eyes. Now I'm getting kisses. For some reason, I still don't move. "Wake up Mama." Holy frigging . . . WHAT? I popped up and gave James the most massive tickles. David walked in, hearing the squeals and screams from my "torture." Why, how? Where did this come from? Yahoo! James understands what "wake up" means. James knows and can use a sentence!
Yesterday, we were playing with two big plastic balls. I had the green ball held out in front of me and asked "What color is this ball James?" He didn't respond, actually shook his head "no." Then he looked up at me, smiled, and held up his ball, "pur-ble!" And it was! Okay, he didn't answer my question. But, still, I love his taking command of the situation. I know purple is a word he can say. I am bombarding him with questions and choices, dying to see what reaction, or words, or whatever, will pop out.
Recently, the local pastor (and unfortunately, since this happened, i must add the adjective "late" here) said "Hello young man," to James. I prompted James to wave. He did, and then clearly added "Hola!" "And 'hola' to you too," he chuckled. For the past two years, James has had a classmate who speaks Spanish. So how wild is that? It all sinks in! My cutie is picking up a second language before the first even comes out!
It is not like James is talking all the time, or even everyday, but these incidents emphasize that he is capable of so much more. I have to feed off these amazing events and keep pushing and plodding along. I must not forget the elation, and remember that I must and should have hope. I will continue to expand James' world. He will continue to learn and grow. He's a real live boy who has wishes and desires and preferences and talents. As his father says, rather aptly, James is our very own Pinnochio.
