Hi there!  Ah yes, embarking on another weekend.  My favorite time.  We are upping Cody's zonegran to 3 tabs a day today.  His big seizures are still alive and well.  But he had a decent day today.  He logged some therapy hours, went to an OT session, and then we went to the Shady park!  We ran into a little boy named Trey who was there with his family.  I've seen him before.  He clearly has autism and some delay - but is totally verbal and is probably mainstreamed in school.  He's about 9 years old.  He was fascinated by Cody and followed me around asking, 'Why does he make that noise?' (referring to Cody's infamous raspberries.)  I said, 'well, he can't talk, so he makes fun sounds instead!'  Trey said, 'HE CAN'T TALK???  WHY??'  He was clearly shocked that anyone CAN'T talk. 

ME:  'His brain doesn't work super good - and it doesn't tell his mouth what it needs to do to make words.' 

Trey:  "BUT WHY!?!"

Me:  'That's how God made him.  He has seizures and they stop his brain from working like it should.'

Trey:  (undaunted) 'Cody....Cody....can you talk to me?'

Cody:  (sound effect of gigantic raspberry then a shreik)

Trey:  HE TALKED TO ME!  He can talk, his words are shrieks and raspberries!

Me:  I guess you're right - it's his own language!

Trey blows a giant raspberry to Cody.  'Does he know sign language?'

Me:  He knows some signs.  He can give you a High 5!

Trey holds up his hand and Cody slaps it.

We all sat side by side - quiet for awhile.  That is, quiet except for Cody's running raspberries and shrieks.  Then Trey joins in - raspberry'ing in unison with Cody.

Trey:  'We're talking to each other!'  (raspberry-shriek-raspberry-shriek)

Me:  (after enjoying the moment for awhile) I bet you are!  Thank you for talking to Cody!  Well, we need to get home - daddy's almost home from work!  Goodbye Trey!

Trey:  'Goodbye.  Hey Cody:  (blows raspberry)  That was me saying goodbye to Cody.'

Me:  You are a nice boy, Trey.  We come here a lot so I bet we'll see you again soon.'

Trey:  'Next time I see you here - will he be able to talk?'

Me:  'That's up to God!' 

Trey looked at me and squinted - processing my answer. 

Me:  'Maybe we'll have a miracle!'

Trey raspberries in response.  Then again.  And as we walk off in the distance, Trey is up on top of the hill raspberry-ing as hard as he can so Cody can hear him.

I am certain that only the Angels know what those two boys said to each other this sunny afternoon.  But I bet it was a beautiful exchange.

I pray we see Trey again one day.  And I'm comforted to know that even if we don't get our miracle, there is someone out there who is willing to talk to Cody on Cody's terms.  Trey taught me a good lesson today:  Cody's always communicating.  Maybe I'm just not always listening.  

with love, Shawna