A
Conversation with My Granddaughter
When
my second grandchild was born it was clear from the beginning that she had some
issues. We were not sure what until she
started school and we started putting the puzzle pieces together and realized
she was Autistic. Finally, at age six
she was officially diagnosed under the spectrum and now receives help from
specialist who have changed not only her life but her family and all those who
know and love her. Before this time, we
all managed by trial and error especially when she struggled to use her words
and say what she wanted to say. Alone
one day with her and her baby sister, she had a meltdown crying and screaming
unable to tell me what the problem was.
She was four years old and I was her grandmother hurting for her. Finally I sat down and cried and she suddenly
put her arms around me comforting me.
Later
that day, I had a quiet moment; the perfect opportunity to talk to her. I had
no expectations that she would understand what I was saying, but it didn’t stop
me from having a conversation with this precious child. I took her in my arms
and whispered gently in her ears, telling her that she was loved – by me, all
in her family and by God; that she lived so God could live in and through her.
I told her she had the power to be the person she wanted to be and that one day
her mind and her words would join together and everyone would understand what
she was trying to tell us. I told her to
be glad and happy. She did not respond.
The
next morning, I was leaving and my daughter wanted to tell her I was going
home. We found her dancing around the
big living area singing, “I have the power” over and over. My daughter asked me what she was saying, and
I said, “She is saying good-bye.”
Now
seven years old, she speaks most of the time clearly and distinctly to us
unless she gets frustrated or confused and then she can fall back to her old
ways of screaming or yelling at someone to get their attention. We have learned the triggers to help her turn
away from the negative behavior to the positive. And although the doctors insist it could take
many years for her to carry on a conversation with us or teachers, we live each
day as if she is already there. Her
purpose and power are hers for the choosing.
Clearly, I am grateful for her presence in my life and look forward to
many more conversations with my granddaughter.
The
power of conversation is a beautiful thing when used with love. It opens doors, creates thinking and flames
our imaginations. Thank you, Dr. Holmes
for reminding me that, “Power is the energy by which everything lives.”
Priscilla
N. Shartle
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