What’s In Your Shoe?

Aaron has developed a special relationship with the nurse practitioner at his day group.  Megan is gentle and kind with Aaron.  She listens to his endless talking and shows interest in his latest interest…interests that are more like obsessions on Aaron’s part.

Right now, Aaron is all about space and planets and galaxies and moons and stars and the sun and YouTube videos about all of these and more.

Megan has told her son, Cody, about Aaron and shares with him some of the space “facts” that Aaron so happily shares.  Cody has written Aaron three notes, thanking Aaron for sharing what he’s learned and for telling him about the YouTube videos he should watch.  It’s really very sweet.

Aaron LOVES these personal notes.  The first note made it home with Aaron, and he happily shared it with us. 

The second note, however, was somehow lost.  Aaron thinks it must have fallen out of his pocket.  He was very sad to have lost that note.

Two days ago, after I picked Aaron up from his day group, our van started over-heating.  Gary met us and took the van to the shop while I followed in his truck.  In all the excitement, Aaron forgot to mention that he had another note from Cody.

 Aaron and I sat in the waiting room at the shop while Gary talked to the manager.  Suddenly, Aaron took off his shoe.

“Aaron,” I said, “don’t take off your shoes in here.  Wait until we get home.”

“But Mom,” he answered, “I wanted to show you this.”

He reached into his shoe and then handed me a damp folded piece of paper, which I wanted to hand back.  Yuck!  😊

“Cody wrote me another note, so I put it in my shoe because I didn’t want to lose it!” Aaron explained.

I read the note while Aaron broadly grinned.  Once again, Cody was thanking Aaron for sharing info about Saturn and the beautiful rings.  I finished reading, and then Aaron refolded the note before putting it back in his shoe for the ride home. 

Aaron talked and talked about that note as we went about our evening.  So, I finally told Aaron that he should write a note back to Cody.  He thought about this for awhile and then went to his room.  Before long, he handed me his note that he had written.  Now it was my turn to grin broadly.

Look at the first planet.  Mercenary!  😊 😊

But even funnier is the fact that his note is just full of facts.  Nothing personal at all. 

This is SO Aaron! 

When he talks to his brother or sister on the phone, this is exactly what he does.  He never ever asks them how they are doing or what is going on in their lives.  He instantly launches into his latest book or game or movie.  He loves facts and information and trivia.

It’s why he loves reading his Handy Answer Books on different subjects but has never liked stories that involve dialogue and relationships.

This element of autism is exhibited in every area of Aaron’s life.  When he and I went to pick up our van yesterday, Aaron immediately started telling the employee there all about Saturn.  I finished paying just as Aaron decided to move on to Venus, but I ushered him out the door as I told him that on our next visit he could give the Venus lecture.  I noticed the huge grin on the face of the waiting customer as we left. 

Tomorrow Aaron will take Cody’s note to Megan.  We are putting the note in an envelope.  I don’t think an envelope will fit into Aaron’s shoe.  I hope not, for Cody’s sake.

I’m sure his mom has a pair of latex gloves he can wear, though.  😊

Author: Patty hesaidwhatks

I'm Patty and I write about our adult son who has Epilepsy and Autism, who still lives with my husband and me, and who is a package full of many surprises and joys and challenges and TALK! Lots of talking, which creates laughter and some other reactions as well. I also write about how God shows Himself to me in everyday life.

28 thoughts on “What’s In Your Shoe?”

  4. Patty, I thoroughly enjoy your posts. I found myself smiling along with Aaron as he received a note from Cody, grimacing at the thought of taking hold of a foot funky note, and laughing out loud at Mercenary Mercury. I was also struck with how the facts Aaron diligently collects and treasures he so readily gives away to others.

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    1. Thanks, Beth. Aaron really makes us laugh so many times, and he usually has no idea why. And he LOVES sharing all his knowledge about random subjects with anyone, even strangers. He keeps us on our toes! 🙂

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  5. Aaron loves to go on adventures, and take you Patty with him. No need to get acquainted Aaron has done the introductions with his studies on the planets. You never have a dull moment with him in your life. He does bring out laughter. Abundant blessings of joy!!! 😃

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    1. He really doesn’t meet a stranger. We know so many restaurant servers by first name and they love seeing Aaron come in to eat. He stops random people in the store aisles and tries to talk to them. 🙂 We really would miss so much joy if he wasn’t with us. Blessings to you, Hazel!

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  6. That is so sweet Patty. Aaron is sweet and doing what’s makes him happy which makes me smile. I think it’s cute how he put it in his shoe. There is so much to learn about space, grateful he found his own “special subject.” Blessings to you and your family. 😀

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      2. You didn’t seem short at all, Carly. I hope I didn’t. Aaron is developmentally delayed quite a lot and so he operates on a very childish level. Life with him can be funny but also very challenging. By sharing, for Aaron, I mean that he will talk on and on about his latest obsession to anyone who will listen. He has no clue about whether they want to listen or if the setting is appropriate or any of the social norms that we pay attention to. It can get interesting. 🙂

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      3. No, you didn’t seem short at all. I am just never sure if I should comment like I understand Aaron’s struggles or be more neutral. I try to hide my struggles sometimes but I am learning more and more it’s ok to show my true colors. 😀

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      5. I just read your blog post that you shared. I think it’s wonderful that you have shared the fact that you have a mild form of autism. And awesome that you can help your students in a way that most people can’t. I hope that you’ll continue to share your life and struggles with us, Carly. You can lend an understanding that I can’t. And I hope that your friend is doing better. Blessings!

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      6. Thank you Patty! That means a lot. Glad you enjoyed my piece. It’s hard being transparent sometimes. Would you be interested in more pieces on my struggles with autism and stories with my students? 😀

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  8. Amazing the knowledge Aaron stores in his brain from what he’s learned, the love for others he stores in his heart and the care of a note stored in his shoe …literally covered from head to toe in what is important to him and the fact he shares all of these things is a blessing for all!!

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