Thank you Grandma, Love Your Nonverbal Grandson
Dear Grandma,
Grandma! Grandma! Grandma!
I know that’s what you so badly want to hear me say. I want to say it too!
Thank you for waiting patiently to hear it. Just know when I grab your hand and pull you to the couch that is my way of calling your name.
Thank you grandma for waiting for me to get off the bus from school everyday. I know somedays I’m so tired after school and I’m not always easy to handle. But you still greet me with the biggest smile and hugs.
Just know I’m excited to see you too, even though I can’t always show you that.
Thank you grandma for always directly talking to me. I may not be able to verbally communicate back with you, but I love hearing your voice and showing me love through your questions. Like, “how was your day at school?” Or “did you have fun today?”
Just know when I make eye contact with you, flap my hands, and smile that I’m trying to tell that I had so much fun!
Thank you grandma for taking the time to sit and read the same books with me over and over again. I will use sign language for “more book” after we finish reading, and you will always smile and happily read it again to me.
You never rush through the reading, no matter how many times I sign for more.
Thank you grandma for getting me unconventional gifts during the holidays or for my birthday. I know it’s hard to understand why I don’t like toys or play with toys. But I loved when we got passes to the water park or memberships to the zoo instead!
Thank you grandma for sticking with my routine. I know sometimes you want to surprise me with a trip to the park or just come over to say “hi,” but that’s not always easy for me.
Thank you for understanding that I excel with routine and structure.
Thank you grandma for always cheering me on! You always tell me how proud you are of me and I smile and laugh when you do! You know I work hard everyday at simple task that come easy to most, but you encourage and support me daily.
Every time I wave hi and goodbye to you, you light up with excitement and it makes me jump and flap my hands with excitement too!
Thank you grandma for loving me unconditionally. I know all of this isn’t easy.
Autism is hard to understand, and being nonverbal adds a little extra stress. But you are patient and kind with me. I see you worry about your own child, and then you worry about your child’s child….which is me. Just know grandma I see your kind eyes and feel your warm heart.
Grandma! Grandma! Grandma!
When you come over our house and walk through the front door. Know that when I come to greet you, make eye contact, wave hi, and smile, that I am saying “I love you grandma and thank you for all that you do!”
Love,
Zachary
Written by, Melissa Owsiany
I’m a nurse, wife and mom to two wonderful boys Zachary, who has autism, and Landon.
(Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Melissa Owsiany and is part of Cooper’s, ‘I’m Thankful For You’ Campaign.)
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