It's raining fairly heavy this Wednesday morning but, nonetheless, I still went for my morning walk. Although I had my umbrella I only put in about 20 minutes. All-in-all, that still was enough time for me to reflect on my previous day. Usually my son, David, would attend Summer Camp but I strongly felt the need to have him spend the day with me on Tuesday. We did several things around town that were necessary but the real jewel of the day came when it was time for me to take him to see Sesame Street Live at a local downtown auditorium later that evening. David was excited about going and it was evident that he was going through the motions all day until time for the program. David is a healthy 14 years old but because of his autism he functions at an 8 or 9 year old level. Of course that's not in all things, (he reads, spells, counts money, is an A student and can operate electronics at a more advanced level than most adults), but when it comes to the simple joys of childhood he is very content. I personally love his choice of television programs and movies. I never have need to worry if he is watching programs that are far too explicit for a child because he simply has no interest in them. We, as parents, love for our children to be innocent and unsoiled from the many negative influences this world has to offer our children. David has succeeded in causing me to love the simple things in life and to enjoy his innocence as long as I can. I love it when he tells me that he loves me several times a day and that he likes to hold my hand whenever out in public. I don't concern myself with the looks I sometimes get from other people who may be judgemental by seeing two men holding hands because I have buried their opinions a long time ago. Those who do recognize he is specical will sometimes approach me and relate their experience with their own special child in their lives. Such was the case at the Sesame Street program with two women sitting in front of us who had a great deal of interaction with David. It was evident that they personally knew of his condition through some other child. I love my son with every fiber of my being.
The evening's the program centered on the muppet monster Super Grover losing his "Super-ness". For some reason, as he flew onto the stage to join the other characters he was unable to take flight again afterwards. This presented a huge dilemma for his boss, The Head Cheese, because there were people and situations throughout the performance that needed Grover's super abilities to help or correct their problem. Because Super Grover had been rendered "powerless", the Head Cheese became very concerned because there was no one able to right the wrongs being perpetrated all about, but without hesitation, Elmo, Zoe, Telly and Rosita volunteered themselves to become super heroes in their own right and dubbed themselves the Fabulous Five, (the 5th member being a pet rock which belonged to Zoe). Needless to say, they saved the day, however; it was not through the use of laser beams, super speed, flight, magic rings, or even brute strength, but by merely correcting the wrongs through common sense, courage, proper hygiene, and proper diet. They even succeeded in helping Grover find his "Super-ness" in the end by reminding him that he was "super" as long as he did the right things.
Through a child's eyes I learned that we all sometimes lose our "Super-ness" because we stray from doing the right things and pick up habits and mannerisms that are not conducive to right living. Oftentimes sickness and disease occurs in our bodies due to lack of proper rest or by consuming the wrong foods. Our environment can be destroyed because we do not stand up to the negative and destructive influences that someone else may bring into it. There are times when we only need to lend an unselfish helping hand to others in order to bring happiness and comfort to that individual. I guess the moral of this story is that we all must be willing to step up and step in to do whatever we can with what talents and abilities we have to make this world a better place. And if a pet rock can be a part of a winning team surely you can.
I hope something was said here to inspire you to find your "Super-ness".
Have a great day. I love you all.
Dennis
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