One of my 6-year-old twin grandchildren is on the autism spectrum. He has been a blessing in our lives and also a challenge, a very special mix. Every time I am with him he amazes me and teaches me, so much about looking at the world differently. For instance, with typical children, you take hugs for granted. With Granger, hugs are unique and cherished. We don’t spend a lot of time snuggling, as I do with my granddaughter. Last weekend, when they spent the night, my husband and Granger were talking about hugs. When asked, Granger said,”A hug is a tight squeeze.” So simply put and so descriptive. I love it when he leans in with a really good hug, sometimes patting me on the back. It took him years to be able to give a really good hug.
When we were reading a story in bed, he circled the room, as he usually does. He drifted closer and then away. But that night, he got into bed and snuggled under my arm as I was reading. And I was thinking to myself,”Please don’t let this story end, because these moments are so special with him.” I have learned to not to take time with my grandchildren (typical or special) for granted. When he asks a question in a complete sentence, I marvel. It has taken so long for him to get to that point. When I see him eat a green bean, I silently cheer, because he would not touch a vegetable for four years. When he rides in a horse show for special kids, he doesn’t get nervous or crave the spotlight and the blue ribbon. He has no fear filter. What he likes is for everyone to say, “hip, hip, hooray”. He loves the sound of clapping and cheering for anybody, not just him. He loves to say (or hear) at any event, “Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls..” He loves it when you get things backwards and he is sure to call you on it.
All this is to say, grandchildren are a gift and they each have their special way of being. Cherish each moment and appreciate each of their talents and idiosyncracies. We can learn from them, as well as they from us. Remember those special moments……
Jane Springer is a certified Life, Wellness and Style Coach who assists women in taking care of themselves, in body, mind and spirit. She coaches women who want to lose weight, avoid diabetes, and feel great. She also helps them thrive after divorce. She also helps them to clear their closets of old clothes and outdated attitudes, so they can shine and feel confident.
This is so beautiful and well said. I know there are many people who will be encouraged by your writing- thank you for sharing something so personal and authentic. Blessings to you and yours.
Thank you, Mary Ellen. I love to share about my grandchildren. They are blessing to me!
Very moving to read…Thankyou so much for sharing and putting into words..
You are very welcome. It is my honor to share about my grandson and hope I can help others in what they are going through.
dear jane, I truly thank you for sharing about your story with your grandson. what you have had shared had taught and showed me how to love any child or person with autism. I am just so, wow and being grateful. you can forward me more as I am learning. thank you
My son is autistic and I loved reading about your perspective of a grandmother. You sound very involved in your grandson’s life. That is wonderful! Family helps me through the sometimes very difficult times. I am sure you are much appreciated. feel free to follow my blog. It is all about life with a child with autism. williamson810.wordpress.com Thank you for your words.
Alison,
Thank you for writing. It makes me happy to know I am helping others on this journey. And thanks for the link to your blog- I will definitely check it out. Feel free to share my blogs with anyone you think might benefit.
Blessings,
Jane
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I do love staying with my grandchildren no matter what they are or not. It is just enchantment for me and I do respect when they do not want company as they grow towards a life of their own and will for sure remember me. My best reward to be a caring grandma is to be sure I did try my best and they do love me.
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