Right and Wrong

I always thought that I would be a really good dad.  And I had visions of my children being the smartest, friendliest, most talented people in the world.  So as Elliott’s developmental delays became more apparent, it was easy to be in denial.  But the older he gets, the more I realize that there is nothing “wrong” with him.  He just goes about things differently, and along the way he helps me become a better parent.

 

 

For example—some parents worry about whether their kids will make friends with the right crowd; I worry about whether mine will have friends at all.  Some parents worry about whether their kids will learn bad words; I worry about whether mine will learn any words.  Some parents worry about whether their kids will be successful enough in school; I worry about whether mine will be able to finish school.  Some parents worry about whether their kids will be able to withstand negative influences from the world; I worry about whether mine will be aware enough to even be influenced.

 

Now, don’t get me wrong.  When we’re at a birthday party and Elliott doesn’t want to participate, I still get embarrassed.  When we’re at a friend’s house and Elliott is screaming, I still get angry.  But I am learning more and more that he really is a special little spirit—and that’s not just something we say to make ourselves feel better.

 

So, dear person at the park, or at the store, or at church, please keep your dirty looks and dirty comments to yourself.  I am fully aware of my child’s behavior.  Trust me.  But if you knew him like I know him, then you would know that he is alright.  In fact, he’s better than that—he is all right.