The boy who would not be labeled

Unique and defined. By his terms. No one else can figure out the definition. And behind that secretive smile, hides so much more than any one will ever know. Even his mama. He knows they try. He knows they test. He knows they strive to figure out a label. A course of action. A brand. They will not. He strings the beads backwards. He counts the toys in his own rhythm - leaving out numbers and skipping a few. And some how comes up with exactly the answer they were asking for. In a method they will never figure out. He won't show his work. It's all in his head. It's his power. His secret. They will not crack the code. He can not tell them what emotion the little girl is displaying in the picture. He shuts down. But he begins spelling his answers to the questions he knows. He doesn't miss even one letter. They are flabbergasted. They call me with the results. But stammer through parts. Because their livelihood depends on testing and resulting. And they can't result this kid. They throw around words like 'possible autism spectrum' -'yet lacking in so many of the definitive symptoms'. 'Possible behavior issues' 'Quirks' 'Quoting Little Einstein movies in mid conversation?' 'Lacking social skills' 'A security wash cloth?' 'That he calls his winder upper?' 'Pervasive development disorder' And yet they also take on a tone of awe as words come out such as 'Intellectually astounding' 'Phenomenal' 'Academically on track' And so they don't really know what to say. But eventually they do. 'Cause that is their job. Recommendations, books, web sites, specialists. More things to listen to, respect, pick through, and then it all comes down to... What is best for him? What does he really need? Dave laughs. He once again sees the child who is breathing On his own. The boy who has been granted to us as a gift. The boy who will not be figured out is fathered by the man that few could. The boy who doesn't care much to be like any one else has blood flowing through his veins of the man who mocks trends. They smile and wink at each other. And mama just shakes her head. Because she loves them both like crazy. But she may never have them completely figured out. Of course he would say the same about her. This fall there will be a whole new team of educators who will be confused and charmed by one small, yet very influential child. This is going to be fun.