November 2003
We went to Branson over Thanksgiving and stayed at a condo with my parents. Branson was more fun than I anticipated, and the mall was great. There was a clown making balloon animals at a little stand, right next to the pizza place where we decided to have dinner. Jake watched in amazement for a little while. Then sauntered up to the man and asked if he could help. The clown nodded and jake got comfortable at teh table right next to the clown, like he was meant to sit there. He sat for an hour watching as Mickey Mouse and poodles and a giraffe were neatly crafted. He held the balloons and helped while the man twisted and turned. He smiled graciously at the customers and thanked them when they put tips in the jar.We watched from a couple fo tables away, amazed at his lack of self-consciousness that stops others from doing exactly what they want.
When we got ready to leave, he thanked the man for letting him help. The man smiled and made him three balloons shaped like an alien. Jake treasured those all the way home and they stayed in his room until the helium finally collapsed.
The Story behind the Stories
When Jake was three, he was diagnosed with a nasal encephalocoele which required brain surgery. Ever since then, he has struggled to catch up academically, but his heart is one of the purest I have ever known. Because his brain didn't process well, he never learned stranger anxiety and most of the time doesn't fear anything. I started these as a way to remember all the things he says and does that are so very different from my other children. The aftermath of that brain surgery has been ADD and epilepsy, which he has also taken in stride. He is a joy most of the time, I only wish people could appreciate his uniqueness and spirit, rather than wanting him to fit into a mold.
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About Me
- Loner
- Mother to 3 wonderous young adults, dreamer, daughter, and still in search of love's elusive gifts
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