This past fall, David and I were discussing the spring sports craze. Jesse was gearing up for baseball as early as January. He even discussed how he wouldn't be able to go to school in the spring because baseball was really important. David and I were discussing Tyler's interest in baseball, though both of us feared it would be a disaster and a waste of money. During our discussion, David mentioned that Tyler may never be able to play regular sports, but that we can investigate the possiblities in Special Olympics. My reactive response was some random large object chunked at my husband's head and a swift retreat to my bedroom to bawl my eyes out.
NO! Not my child! He is "delayed". He is autistic. He is brilliant. He is anything but DISABLED. That was something that I could not accept.
During a support group meeting, I met a young man named Grant that worked with Kyspin. Grant was in a wheel chair. Grant needed assistance in nearly every way. It was very difficult for him to even communicate. But he was truly BRILLIANT! His beautiful mind impacting me more than any of his areas of difficulty. His intelligence exceeded that of every other individual in the room. This person of great worth impacted me like no one else ever could. I will never be the same after meeting Grant.
The baseball season has started, and we gave Tyler his shot at sports. It has proven to be too much for him as he now claims after each practice, "Done Hotrods!!!" His attention span and maturity level is far below the other kids. None of the four year olds are exactly Babe Ruth, but Tyler avoids the group the entire time. We are ok with his decision.
I am finally ready to embrace his unique brilliance and his disabilities. In an attempt to finally bury the hatchet of disability denial, I am volunteering to work at the Special Olympics next Saturday. I will work, and we will cheer on the participants as a family. Have you ever seen the bumper sticker that says, "My kid beat up your honor student"? Well, I might make one that says, "My disabled kid just fired your baseball star." :) hehe
