Tuesday, August 11, 2009

My 6yr old

Is an angel. Yep, he has me wrapped so tightly around his little finger. Hey, I'm honest. I admit it. He is rotten and the apple of my eye. Of course I love my other kids and they are great kids! But if you have a child with special needs, you know what I mean. There is this fierce momma bear instinct watch over and protect him. He is just the kind of kid that mean bullies could take advantage of. He is very small for his age. He is timid and unsure of how to act around peers that he doesn't know well. And, he has a severe speech/language disorder. It is a very cruel disorder. He knows what he wants to say. He looks at you with big black almond shaped eyes trying to speak and use gestures, some sign language, to portay his story. I know what he is saying, most of the time, but others don't always get it. Last night we were hanging out in the street with several neighbors and children playing. One boy was particularly rough and unruly. Later that night I was bathing Dillon and he looked at me seriously and said "Momma, I tawk you. Man hut me." I asked him "A man hurt you?" He said "uhuh" and then slapped himself on the cheeck. I asked him "did he hit you?" Dillon said yes. I asked him "a man hurt you or a little boy". Dillon stretched his hand up and said "big boy!" Then, the pout came and he leaned in for a kiss. My heart was so burdened for him. He has had to climb uphill his whole life. Everything your typical child does with ease is a struggle for Dillon: breathing, drinking, talking, singing, running, learning letters. You'll not find a sweeter child though. He pays close attention to others feelings. When we walk hand in hand he will lean over and kiss our hands. He has taught many many people about being kind and loving those who have special needs. My dad is one of them. My dad is now champion of those with special needs! I leave you with a plea- teach your kids about being kind and patient with people who have different abilities.

1 comment:

  1. Libby:
    I totally get the point of momma bear, my 5 year old started Kindergarten today and he too is small. Although he doesn't have the other struggles your beautiful Dillon has, as a mom you always worry about what someone may say to him for "looking different". What an amazing little boy you have and aren't you blessed to have him and to have learned so much from him. Thank you for your post and for making us all aware!!!
    Amy
    Dillon mom of one biological and two from Korea.

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