Many of you know our youngest son Hudson was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth nearly five years ago. (Catch up here: Can’t Buy This .) At four, he struggles to communicate. He makes lots of conversational noises and syllables. We just can’t understand it. (Yet.) His vocabulary is limited to a few handfuls of words, making each new verbal accomplishment that much sweeter.
Grace for Hudson by allie taylor
While he can’t always express himself, Hudson has a lot of rules. He lets us know those rules, words or no. Oh yes. He gets his point across loud and clear. Someday I’ll fill you in more on Hudson’s rules, which are many. But here’s an example. Each night before dinner we say a prayer, thank God for our meal, hold hands around the dinner table. Everyone usually sits in the same chair. Hudson sits at one end of the table, his big brother Jonathan at the opposite end. Jon and I sit across from each other on the sides, with Hudson between us. Every once in a while, the order gets “all shook up.” If I come in at the last minute carrying something hot, or one of us or the kids are away, etc. This really throws Hudson for a loop.
Because there are certain usual hands Hudson holds during dinner prayers every night. And those hands better be the right hands, or he’ll shake them off, look for the right ones. Make eye contact with the owner of the right ones….summon them over with little extended hands. He’s not mean about it, not mad or unkind. Just quietly shakes off the wrong ones, insistent he will hold the right ones, that we will be in the usual order at the table. Hudson’s a creature of habit, routine, doesn’t adapt well to change, has a lot of rules. And he’s stubborn about those rules.
True confession here. I do occasionally peek at Hudson during prayer. Not all the time mind you. Just every once in a while. He’s just so entertaining. Never know what he’ll be doing. His hands are eagerly clutching big hands. Sometimes his eyes are squinched tight, big toothy grin. Other times he peeks around the table, squinty eyed, wrinkled nose, going from face to face, hoping for a little attention he doesn’t get during prayers. Last night his eyes were shut tight, big smile, a happy little dance going on in that chair. Busy. Pleased about something. Swaying, smiling, shoulders rocking back and forth. You get the idea.
So yesterday morning I’m in a big hurry. Trying to get out the door to Bible study. I’m washing dishes, wiping counters, packing the diaper bag, etc. Hudson crawls up on the kitchen stool for breakfast. I put out a bowl of dry cereal (his favorite) and his sippy cup of milk. I’m moving fast, cleaning up the messy kitchen. But Hudson’s not eating. Both his little hands are extended out towards me.
“Ray, ray,” he says.
I rack my brain in the busyness of the morning, vainly try to think what he wants, what he’s trying to say.
“RAY!” He’s really insistent now.
And thankfully, it dawns on me.
*Photo courtesy of Designs by Linda Nee
And I say “Pray?”
Hudson doesn’t miss a beat. In the early morning rush to leave for Bible study, I forget to say grace. Ironic. And he calls me on it. Hudson, he doesn’t let it slide. And he’s not going to eat until that breakfast prayer is offered. He’s so excited, smiles, clutches both my hands tightly in his small ones. I offer a simple little prayer over his breakfast, finish with “Amen.”
And Hudson squeezes my hands hard, yells a loud and excited “a-MEN!”
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Sheryl says
Soooo cute!! We should all be as eager to pray as Hudson is. Wow! I haven’t even been to church yet and Hudson has spoken a very eloquent sermon early this Sunday morning.
[email protected] says
Well said.
Dawn says
Awe, he’ll be a Sunday school teacher before you know it! Great story Allie« see you. Soon! X0
Judy says
That ‘s a good rule of Hudson’s — he’s got his priorities straight! There are many who approach their daily bread with no thought of giving thanks to the One who provided it.
Nancy Hammett says
That is priceless. Sweet little Housdon. Thanks for sharing.
Linda Jenkins says
What a powerful lesson Hudson has taught. No matter how busy we are, we should never be too busy to pray to our Heavenly Father and ask His blessings. What a sweet reminder from God’s little angel. I love this, Allie.
Aunt pinkie achor says
What a precious little one that Hudson is – and isn’t it funny how we can be so faithful in our prayers until …and what a lovely reminder Hudson gave you! Bless his heart!
Madeleine says
Precious!
Susie says
Oh, I just love this. I always loved hearing my friend Molly sing Amazing Grace when we worked together at Curves.
Angie says
Ok seriously – Hudson is one of the sweetest kids ever! I hope to meet him in person someday. Thank you for sharing him with us – I am always blessed by his story.
Barbara Child says
Out of the mouths of babes! Bless him! Humbling to learn from our children!
Christy Smith says
Blessed my heart!! Love it when our sweet peas long to give praise and pray. Beautiful!
Lisa Todd says
precious.
Jen says
LOVE this! Made me cry! What a precious reminder of what is really important!
Laura Cook says
We will remember to “ray” for dear Hudson tomorrow at Covenant Women in Prayer. <
Dianne Laxton says
I love it.
simone says
Hudson is such a gift to all of us.
Lily Lau says
I love our dear Hudson, thanks for sharing this post.
Tracy says
This piece leaves a big smile on my face! He certainly is precious. Just loved this. 2 more words for Hudson! Hooray!
Linda Kisker says
Thanks for sharing. I love your blogs about Hudson and his achievements. I can relate about the same routine every day when Justin was little and was suffering from the ADHD, if his routine changed, it was like the world was coming to an end. Thankfully, he grew out of it. I guess it is very important for all children to have the same routine daily. It makes them feel secure and comforts them to do the same routine daily, at least it did for my 3.
Love you.
Diana says
What a love he is!!
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch says
Out of the mouths of babes! He is so precious! I can’t even describe how big the lump in my throat is right now. This is just beautiful – thank you for sharing!
Candace says
What an incredibly sweet story! He is such a sweet little angel. I love the last picture of him. That is a precious moment!