As I walked through the front door, Brantley came running to grab me in an embrace.
He gripped me so tightly, as he looked up with a smile so big, I could see it in his deep set, blue eyes.
Feeling his love enveloping me, I lifted my nine-year-old son, reciprocating the affection and expressing my love for him.
Because I know without a doubt that his hug, his look and his smile were his way of telling me he loved me.
In the earlier stages of parenting it was hard to imagine a world where I wouldn’t hear my sweet boys voice. A world where I wouldn’t hear my child say “mama” or “I love you” with the raspy voice he once muttered a few words with.
While I would still love to hear Brantley’s voice call my name or tell me he loves me, I've realized that I don’t need either.
He loves me. I have no doubt of that.
He can communicate. Just not in traditional ways.
We are 9 years into Raising Brantley and I can’t pinpoint when it happened but somewhere along the way my sadness and worry over Brantley’s lack of words was replaced with the ability to embrace language in its many forms.
Maybe that’s because he so candidly shows his love, his thoughts, his emotions.
A hug.
A look.
An eye roll.
Brantley’s actions transcend the need for words. And as much as I would love to hear that raspy, little voice of his, it’s pretty amazing to be on the receiving end of his nonverbal communication.
While part of me may always crave hearing Brantley’s voice, I truly treasure the moments of connection and nonverbal communication. They are not conventional, but they are proof that love needs no words. #autismfamily #autismlife #autismparents
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