Shriek shriek shriek - I could hear Matt was really upset. I had left him upstairs playing in my room whilst I went down to pack things for our next outing. I knew immediatelly that this was a something-is-really-wrong-shriek, as opposed to the i'm-frustrated-because-i-can't-make-this-toy-work-shriek or the i-can't-quite-reach-it-shriek. I dashed upstairs.
There he was standing in my room, sobbing. My mind was racing - what had happened? Whilst calming and cuddling him I looked around the room to see if I could see the cause of his pain. Everything looked safe and nothing out of place.
As he calmed a bit, I asked him "Matt, can you show mom what made you sore?" I wasn't sure if he understood the question, and less certain if he would find a way to answer. Without hesitating Matt showed me the sign for CAT. I was astounded. Then I asked him "Matt can you show mom where you are sore?" And he lifted up his hand, and there on it were fresh whelts and scratches clearly the result of an angry cat.
I cannot describe the joy that I felt. Obviously not happy about the cat's actions, but that my little boy had so clearly communicated to me about his pain. I have long been anxious about the fact that he is not able to tell me when he is sore or where. Something that moms really need to know.
I have had a really tough week (a story for a future blog entry) - and this moment was such a highlight, a real gift! Well done Matt. Now I need to have a chat with the cat about scratching...
8 comments:
Yay! I bet he also felt so happy being able to tell you what was going on! that is just great! :)
Nice! I totally understand the joy and hope something like direct and clear communication can bring - even when it's about something we wish never happened.
Yay, Matt.
Yes, communication success! Poor guy got scratched but was able to tell you what happened. What great progress!
How exciting! We're all with you dancing for joy at Matt's communication leap.
Ouch.. tough way to learn that fluffy cats don't like to be fluffy toys.. but what super communication between Matt and you!!
We just had that communication at our house..amazing feeling! Its finally getting a little easier..so proud of our little guys!
Awesome Jax...and hopefully the exciting beginning of a whole new world of communication. Thinking of you always! x
Well done Matthew on helping your mom understand what a brilliant communicator you really are - and also please let me congratulate you on being one of the very few kids of your age to follow directions as well as you do! What a star you are - and I love the way you 'say' "thanks for understanding me" when we eventually get it right! Can't wait to see you latest physio photos - that's another skill you have: learning through exploration and experimentation! Keep on teaching and coaching us Matt .... it's such fun!
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