Did you happen to look up in the night sky this past week, see that massive glowing orb? Yeah, the moon. I’m talkin’ Tuesday night. Yeah that moon. It was pretty amazing Monday night too. But Tuesday it hung low on the horizon. Driving along, thought I might bump right into it. Gargantuan. With a halo the size of Texas.
I didn’t really think about Hudson and the Harvest Moon ’til later this week, but perhaps it had something to do with his behavior this week. (Or not.)
And here’s a thought. Sure hope I don’t paint a picture of my Hudson as a little saint here. (Hudson’s five, has Down syndrome.) Because while he’s the dearest little boy in all the world, he’s no saint. And actually quite stubborn. Interestingly, special needs children are more similar to regular children than they are different. And in many ways Hudson is like a regular little boy. Meaning he’s adorable. And sometimes naughty.
(Just fyi, if you’re new here and slightly confused, I post recipes during the week, muse on the weekends.)
It seems that special needs children can sometimes be naughtier than children without a diagnosis. One reason is they often don’t have the communication skills most children have. With his very limited vocabulary, Hudson knows he’s guaranteed to grab my attention if he does something naughty. Like throw a pan from the kitchen sink.
Or say, a table lamp. (Ahem.)
He’s an expert in the “getting attention” department! And to be fair, inability to communicate with words has gotta be incredibly frustrating. (FYI he’s being evaluated for a communications device soon, I’ll keep you posted.)
Don’t know if the hovering Harvest Moon had anything to do with Hudson’ behavior this past week, but last Sunday at church a sweet little toddler put her finger in Hudson’s mouth.
And he chomped.
Yeah. And ouch. Poor little munchkin, she’s so precious. Gave quite the howl. Was rescued by her mother. The tiny fingers were ok, thank God, but apparently there were little marks. In Hudson’s defense, when something’s in his mouth, it’s generally food. Or his *chewy tube. And he’s got quite the serious snapping turtle chomp.
Very naughty.
Then later that same day, Hudson’s big brother Jonathan went to a friend’s pumpkin carving party. They spent long hours transferring designs, carving elaborate pumpkins.
Jonathan came home with Perry the Platypus. (Phineas and Ferb.) He lit a candle inside, carefully set Perry on the front stoop. Then we chatted about the pumpkin recently stolen from a friend’s nearby front porch. Yes, stolen. (Reminds of the time growing up when a Christmas tree was CHOPPED down in our front yard. Stolen. The thief left behind a dirty black pocket comb, muddy footprints in the snow and a tree stump. But I digress…)
So Jonathan and I debated back and forth as to whether Perry the Platypus was safer outside on the front stoop or inside the house with Hudson. (Reminder: Hudson chucks things.) Since Hudson was already in bed, we opted to bring Perry inside for the night.
Set him on the coffee table, turn the lights down low, enjoy an evening by Perry the Platypus pumpkin glow. In retrospect, so glad we shared that one special evening together, because Perry met a violent death the next morning.
The bigger kids had gotten off to school early early on Monday. And after washing up a few things in the kitchen, I went to dress Hudson for school. He was “innocently” watching Curious George in the living room. There on the living room floor in front of him is Perry the Platypus. Face down, and in a million pieces. Like Humpty Dumpty. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men, couldn’t put Perry together again. Weird thing is, I never even heard the crash. Folks, this was an extra jumbo pumpkin. (Can’t exactly blame the Harvest Moon, but sure makes one wonder.)
Children are funny. Seem to have a sixth sense. Even if they can’t talk. Years ago I wept to hear a dear friend tell me about her sweet little toddler. In a heartbreaking situation, my friend had recently been abandoned by her husband. Perpetually nauseous with morning sickness during her entire second pregnancy, she felt very alone. Would sometimes kneel for long hours at a time in front of the porcelain goddess. Waiting for the next wave to hit. And that sweet little two year old, she’d find her mama. Sit on the tile next to her. Gently pat her back. That tiny little girl had a sixth sense, somehow knew her mommy desperately needed her in that lonely, vulnerable time. What a gift. Helped her mama get through.
I was reminded of a little story I heard about Hudson a few weeks ago. Music to my ears with the many issues we’re working on at home. Apparently another child was having trouble listening in children’s church that day. And eventually a daddy came in, spoke to that little person. And after the daddy left, the little person was sad. Put his head down on the table. And my little Hudson, he climbed from his chair, went around the table. Patted that little person on the back. The story brought tears to this mama’s eyes. That even though he can’t verbalize, my Hudson possesses a sensitive, compassionate little heart. Sympathized the best way he knew how.
So that’s what I choose to remember on the more difficult finger-chomping, indoor pumpkin-smashing days: that tender little back-patting heart. Warms this mama through and through, gives her hope.
Have a beautiful weekend friends!
*A chewy tube is a therapeutic tool for individuals with sensory issues who crave oral stimulation. A chewy tube builds up the muscle tone and strength of the jaw, helping prepare for speech, feeding and overall motor skills. (And hopefully not biting.)
You may also enjoy: Glimpse of Sunshine
Tracy says
Allie, I loved reading your post this morning. That little Hudson sure gives you a run for your money. But what a sweet little boy he is. I think most parents have had a child who has bitten someone. Not one of a parents finest moments for sure?. I am pretty sure that Perry the Platypus has forgiven Hudson too. He is too adorable not to and I’m sure Perry knows all about the blue moon. It warmed my heart also, to hear the story of how Hudson showed compassion for another child. This he has undoubtably learned from his loving, compassionate family. He’s a lucky guy!!?
Allie says
Awwww…thanks so much Tracy. You know this has been quite a rollercoaster journey…xo
Tracy says
* correction: Perry the Platypus knows all about the HARVEST moon too!?
Linda Jenkins says
Allie, the more I read your stories about Hudson the more I believe God blessed him with an amazing family. While he may be naughty at times, his sweet nature and instinctive sensitivity bless his family and all who are fortunate to know him. It is impossible not to love that beautiful blue-eyed child. Love the story. Sorry that Jonathan worked so hard on his creation only to have it disappear so quickly. Thank goodness Jonathan is always so patient and forgiving.
Allie says
You’re so kind Linda, thank you. I think Hudson has definitely had a role in teaching Jonathan (actually all of us) patience and forgiveness. Gorgeous day out there, have a beautiful weekend!
Nancy says
I fully understand the Harvest Moon !
Allie says
Ha. I have friends who are nurses Nancy, and they swear that crazy things always happen on the floor whenever there’s a full moon… xo
Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek says
Never a dull moment in your life.
Our kids have our hearts no matter what they “just did.”
Your whole family is going to be so compassionate and patient because of wonderful, young Hudson.
This world would be much kinder if we all grew up with a special needs person to love.
Enjoy your weekend.
Allie says
Nope, no dull moments. In my life or yours either!!! Thanks friend, have a wonderful week. If I know you, it will be busy! xo
Denise says
I loved your line “Special needs children are more similar to regular children than they are different” That is so true. My friends grandson can be quite naughty then tries to get away with it with giving you his sweetest smile. He knows exactly what he’s doing. Between you and me, he’s quite hilarious! Glad you got to enjoy the pumpkin glow for a night.
Allie says
Aww…thanks D. Thankfully one of the kids moved the remains of Perry to the porch. I was going to take a picture of him to post here, but by the time I got to him he was literally green with fuzzy mold. Ewwww…. amazing how quickly a carved pumpkin will turn in the warmer weather….thanks for dropping by here and have a wonderful week, I know it will be full. (understatement) xo
Susie Mandel says
Ahh, I just love your stories. 🙂 By the way, is Hudson’s favorite rock group The Smashing Pumpkins?? 😉
Susie Mandel says
P.S. I didn’t sleep well for a couple nights this past week and totally forgot about the full moon…coincidence???
Allie says
I think not!
Allie says
Dear Susie, I’m glad you enjoy the stories, it gives me joy to write them. If Hudson could talk we’d ask him about the Smashing Pumpkins…would probably be right up his alley considering his recent performance.
Carina says
Dear Allie, when I arrived at the hospital, in labour with my son, the nurse shook her head in disbelief and said, “oh my goodness, another one… we sure have a full house tonight. It’s a full moon and everybody’s wantin’ out!” I guess if the moon can move the ocean tides, it very likely has an affect on us too. This was a rich post, and it gives us a lot to reflect on. Thank you for sharing. Xo
Allie says
Funny line….. “everybody’s wantin’ out.” Not so funny if there aren’t enough hands on deck I guess…You had a few very memorable things during labour… This and that gargantuan clock!!! And probably many more. Thanks so much for dropping by, I always enjoy hearing your thoughts. Have a wonderful week! xo
Carina says
I just wanted to add one more thing, I hope you don’t mind. I was left thinking about how Hudson comforted the other child, and how beautiful and significant that is because that so clearly shows that he is caring, empathetic. And if the heart is in the right place, everything is possible from there. I hope you and your family have a good week coming up. The pumpkin was beautiful, glad you captured it with your photography skills. Xo
Allie says
Thank you so much Carina, it does mean a great deal to me to know he has an empathetic heart. Without that speech piece, it’s so hard to know other than catch little glimpses here and there…
Barbara Child says
So nice to hear the encouraging things as well as the less encouraging things about our children! I think the siblings of special needs children learn a lot of understanding and compassion from from the one who struggles with a disability. It’s wonderful that Hudson shows concern and empathy for those who are hurting. That more than overcomes for any mischief he does. He’s very fortunate to have such a loving family!
Allie says
Thank you so much Barbara for these very kind words. I know firsthand from my own sister and now my Hudson that having a person with a disability in the family changes everyone in positive ways. It’s not that it’s necessarily easy or always a big party, it’s just that it grows us in ways that only happen through stretching. I’m thankful for the ways we are all growing, also for the ways I see Hudson growing. Though I won’t lie, I wish some of his growth happened faster. The developmental rate of children with special needs is on such a different curve. xoxo
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I LOVE your weekend musings, Allie! I totally swooned over that Harvest Moon last week, it was impossible to miss! It reminded me of the Bruce Almighty, when he pulls the moon down for Jennifer Aniston. lol. Anyways, I love the way you look at life! Cherishing the beautiful and empathetic things children, or anyone does is a much better way to enjoy life. The bad times and bad behavior is a part of life, unfortunately. BUT, Hudson’s heart and compassion are things to relish in! My nephew is autistic, so I understand what you are talking about when you say children with special needs are more like other children than one might think. My nephew is the most compassionate little man ever. When you write about Hudson I always think about (and miss) him. Beautiful post, as always. Cheers to a fabulous week, my dear! Hugs! xo
Allie says
Thank you friend, I so love having you visit and hearing your kind and insightful comments. I hadn’t even thought of Bruce Almighty and the moon but you are so right! (Funny.) Your nephew must be precious. Have a great week Chey. XO
Mel says
I loved reading about your little man. The toddler might have had sore fingers and the pumpkin might not have had a long life, but the patting on the back of the sad boy in church surely makes up for any Harvest Moon disruption.
We also had a beautiful, clear moon last Tuesday, We were in Inverness (Scotland) and it was so stunning I stared at it for 40 minutes or so before I got my camera out.
Thanks again for taking part in Feature my Food Friday lovely!
Allie says
Thanks so much Mel. Yes, a Harvest Moon disruption…. 🙂 How nice that you were in Inverness for the full moon, it must have been absolutely fantastic there! My pleasure to participate, friend! Have a beautiful week! xo
Eva says
J’en suis sure, c’est la faute a la lune! Hudson n’est pour rien! La lune est tellement puissant qu’on perd tous un peu les nerfs! Quand mes enfants étaient dans la maternelle (petit école pour les enfants de 3 ans jusqu’à 5 ans) la professeure disse toujours que quand la lune était plein, les enfants étaient incontrôlables! Hudson est adorable!
Allie says
Oh Eva , vous êtes si drôle . Oui , il doit avoir été la faute de la lune . La lune était grande aussi à Bordeaux ? xo
Eva says
Oh oui elle était très belle! xo
nancy mcmahan says
Allie just got around to reading this and a perfect time to do so. My mom is having a spell right now and all I can do is sit close her and wait for it to pass. Reading this put a big smile on my face….I love Hudsons naughtiness. He is so blessed to have you as his mommy.
Madeleine says
Catching up on blogs this morning and am reading this one now. Hudson is a dear and a joy! And as the mama of said toddler who’s finger got chomped, we say “it happens.” She still loves Hudson and so do we! 🙂