So, today I was remembering some of my AMM's antics when he was much younger. I'm talking about before his preschool days. I always thought at that point of his life he was different. Being ignorant of developmental delay warning signs, I chalked up his being "different" to being pampered since he was the youngest, as well as having asthma. Now I know it was part of his Aspergers.
I was remembering (and yes, chuckling) when we went to the neighbors house. Her big golden retriever came lopping up to us and licked AMM's face. AMM responded by licking him back on his nose. My neighbor was aghast, "No, don't do that!" she said, as I held him back from the dog before he started further licking exchanges. Actually, as I recall, the dog even seemed taken aback!
At that time of his life we would watch Blue's Clues, a show about a dog named Blue (and of course, he was the color blue) along with his owner, whose name I can't recall. One day, Blue was licking his owner's face. AMM must have thought that was appropriate behavior, so turned to me and started licking my face! No, I told him, dogs do that, not humans! He got the message...as far as I know!
And finally, I was remembering how, after watching a show with cows grazing in the field, he proceeded to the front lawn, got down on all fours...and then started to "graze" on a dandelion. In other words, eating it. Guess what my reaction was ???? "No, AMM, people do not do that. Animals do that." Again, as far as I know, he got the message!
I was and am so lucky to have had such a great son. He overcame so many obstacles in his short life, left a legacy of his artwork for us, memories filled with laughter and love. He gave me so much love, made me feel so special. Even though I ache to have him back, I also realize it was an honor to have been his mother. Thank-you God, and thank-you AMM. You were, and are, the best.
