This post is a mix of old and new. The poem, below, is from 2006… this part is from today. I realize that I have stated before that it is over time that we can see the cumulative effect of the tiny incremental changes in our child. H’s development may not be even, but we trust in its positive trajectory.

In 2006 H was already a seasoned Lego fan. His original creations were mostly the sort of two dimensional skeletons of objects that lacked the filling out of a more sophisticated structure. He is pictured below at a local Lego show, admiring his own creation – in what we refer to as his proud stance.

His building ability has changed vastly over the years – one brick at a time…

Last fall he participated in a twelve-week Robotics program (Lego Mindstorms) at his school and now he is using elastic bands to create working moving parts within his creations. This boy continues to inspire me with his creativity and spacial ability, but most of all with his big heart and his unending willingness to try his best.

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I wander sometimes

Where this path will lead

I have marched lock-step against my will

Sometimes I skip

Sometimes climb a hill

And sometimes slog along

I dash

I dance

Sometimes I stumble

And then by chance

I find my way

Or fly by the seat of my pants

Sometimes defeated

I do not crumble

My child inspires me

A wee valiant knight

A lover of Lego

Who gives me strength

Who keeps me humble

Leah Kelley, August 2006

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30 Days of Autism is a project designed to fight stigma, promote civil rights, and increase understanding and acceptance for those who process and experience the world differently.

© Leah Kelley, Thirty Days of Autism, (2011)