Extra Chromosome = Extra Life

Yesterday Wil and I were driving to get his hair cut. Wil always takes my phone, searches what he wants to play on Amazon music.

If he diverges from Luke Bryan he’ll say to himself, “how to spell Dierks Bentley” and type it out using phonics. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it leads to frustration and more tries. I listen as he figures it out, only helping when necessary.

Wil used to think Rodney Atkins’ name was Ronnie. He was adamant about this. But his searches lead to dead ends.

“Wil, it’s Rodney. Like a fishing rod, and your knee. Rod-knee.” I mimicked throwing a fishing line then pointed to Wil’s knee. Wil liked this explanation so gave up his strong adherence to Ronnie. Rodney became a joke between us, Wil throwing a line and hitting his knee.

There are two parts to nearly every story with Wil. As a parent, I always notice the learning happening. Always. It’s part of my every day with Wil and has been since day one. He needs extra in life, and the extra given gives back, without fail, in every experience, no matter how seemingly small.

The other part of each story is the joy. It’s pure. Because Wil is Wil. He’s all in to who he is, and that can not be faked. That’s why people are drawn to him.

There is a vulnerability to that which scares me. He can easily be taken advantage of. And yet, his vulnerability is the bravest way of being a human being without the effort to be brave. Wil is Wil.

When Wil listens to music he is all in. He rocks back and forth in his seat. As I’m driving, I sing and move my head but don’t rock at his level or I’d be off the road!

As is often the case, we will reach a destination and he wants to finish the song. I decided to match his back and forth rocking. It was a damn workout and I only matched his pace for just over a minute.

We’ve been at stop lights where people look over because he is moving so much. He never notices them looking but if he did, he’d look over and smile and keep on going without missing a beat. That’s authentic joy ~ freely sharing your inner joy outwardly with whomever wants to join in, and if they don’t he’s not bothered because he is all in.

As for me, I’m always learning too. The extra I give Wil always gives back more than I could ever give or have imagined to receive.