Rocks or Popcorn

Aaron loves rocks that he thinks are unusual.  Outside his day group, along the curb, are landscape rocks.  They grow much easier than grass.  Unless you have an Aaron, who eyeballs the rocks every day in search of THE one…or more than one…that he will pocket on that day.  The rocks are slowly dwindling with Aaron around, no matter how many times we tell him that he should not take…aka steal…any rocks.

These rocks have value to Aaron.  Some he thinks are diamonds or crystals even though we tell him they are not diamonds or crystals.  We tell him they are just normal rocks that need to stay in their rock home.  Still, he gathers the rocks and lately has been putting them in a large storage bag.

Tomorrow my husband is having shoulder replacement surgery.  We have kept this low key in order not to worry Aaron.  Aaron would be more worried about how this big change in our normal day would affect him instead of Gary but still, worry is worry.  

Or so we thought.

Last night, Aaron went into Gary’s study and handed Gary his bag of special rocks.

“Here, Dad,” Aaron said as he handed Gary the bag.  “I want you to take these to the hospital.”

Gary was so touched.  And he responded with such wisdom.

“Well, Aaron,” he replied, “I might be confused because of the drugs and think those rocks are candy.  If I ate one, I could break a tooth.”

Aaron thought for a second, took back the bag of rocks, and went up to his room.

Soon, he came back down.  He found Gary in the garage and handed him instead his bag of cheese popcorn that he was saving.  

“Here,” Aaron said again.  “I want you to take THIS to the hospital.”

Aaron’s love language has always been giving things to others.  In this case, Aaron won’t verbalize that he is concerned for his dad.  He probably won’t tell Gary that he hopes the surgery goes well.  He many even get frustrated during Gary’s long recovery at home because of the effects it will have on him and what he expects from Gary.

But we have a bag of cheese popcorn that speaks volumes to us of how much Aaron really does care.

And that’s as valuable to us as…as…diamond rocks!

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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.

17 thoughts on “Rocks or Popcorn”

  4. Oh my gosh, that is so sweet! I love that Aaron first offered his special rocks, and then, when hearing they might not be good for the hospital, went off and found something that was. That’s true love and caring!!!!

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  6. Hello Patty. Thanks for your great story about rocks and popcorn. Aaron has such an innocence about life. I had forgotten how to view the world that (very literal) way. I hope Gary’s shoulder heals okay — make sure He does the PT. (Men don’t often want to.) 🙂 Paul

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    1. Thank you, Paul. Many times I wish I took my cues from Aaron when it comes to seeing the joy in the simple things like Aaron does. Gary is very independent but I still have some sway so I’ll try to keep an eye on his PT. 🙂

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  7. I’m so thankful that Aaron has wise and understanding parents like you and Gary. One of the worst things that can happen to a person with autism is to be misunderstood and expected to act like they don’t have autism. Aaron is blessed to be put in your family!

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    1. We’re blessed to have Aaron and to learn from him, even on the rough days. Last night I had an opportunity to watch autism at work in Aaron’s reaction to a situation, one in which I didn’t react so well at one point. Ah, I live and learn. You are so right, Cindy, about the futility for all involved to expect an Aaron to act like they don’t have autism.

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