Jump In With Both Feet: Hudson Taylor is an endearing little person. It’s not that I’m biased or anything. (I’m just his mother.)
I love writing about the tiny details of Hudson’s quiet, unassuming life. His little triumphs and challenges.
Maybe I love writing about him so much because he has precious few words of his own. And when I write his story, he gets a voice too. Maybe.
Speaking of voice, some of you have asked whether Hudson has gotten his communication device yet. And the answer is no, he has not. Bleh. More testing is scheduled and there are many choices, so the techs want to be sure we choose the right one. So hurry up and wait. (Story of my life.)
I’ve told you before how much Hudson fears water. And how just a few weeks ago in July he was so brave when he shocked us all and climbed into a kayak with his daddy at my aunt and uncle’s house at the Cape. And no tears.
Children are intuitive, and I think children with siblings who have special needs are even more so. You may not know that my oldest sister Elisabeth has Down syndrome too. There seems to be a protective gene that God gives the family members of special needs children.
We haven’t spent much time at the water over the past few summers because of Hudson’s water fears. It’s too bad, because I love the water. And when it’s hot, there’s no place I’d rather be.
But you can imagine it’s no fun sitting on the sidelines in the sweltering heat with a whimpering child time after time while every one else cools off in the wet. No fun for him either.
So here’s the intuitive part. After we got back from the Cape a few weeks ago in August, Charlie (10) suggests we go to the nearby pool. It’s a super hot day and we haven’t gone in some time. I really just want to stay home in the AC because I know I won’t get anywhere near the water with Hudson.
But Charlie is absolutely convinced Hudson is hot too and will really want to go in the water today. He says he just knows. Well I have my doubts, but it’s sweltering and Charlie desperately wants to go.
The funny thing about Hudson is he has routine. And he doesn’t break it. Sometimes for years. For instance, the only fruit he’ll eat is a banana. And all I can say is – thank God for bananas. Because if it weren’t for bananas, Hudson wouldn’t eat any fruit at all.
So I’m incredibly grateful for bananas. This has gone on for years and years. (Believe me, we’ve tried other fruits – many many times.)
So one day this summer we had a fresh berry salad with dinner. As usual, I put a spoonful on Hudson’s plate even though I know he won’t touch it. (Or if he does, it’s only to pitch it, I’m sorry to report.) And halfway through dinner, I see Hudson in my peripheral vision reach out and pick up a blueberry.
He doesn’t chuck it, he tentatively puts it in his mouth and slowly chews it. And then he reaches for another and another. And by this time the rest of us are in major shock around the table. (Hudson’s eating blueberries, pass it on!)
When Hudson does something new and fabulous like eating a fresh blueberry, we pretend not to notice. Ignore it. Play it cool and suave. I see nothing, I hear nothing. That kind of thing. I know, the psychology sounds odd. But if he gets sudden attention, Hudson immediately stops whatever he’s doing and hides behind his hands. And then that’s the end of that. So by now, we all know not to stop a good thing in progress. (Though he hasn’t eaten a blueberry since.)
So back to that hot afternoon and the pool. We arrive, and in time Charlie coaxes Hudson to the pool’s edge which is a miracle in itself. And then something really crazy happens. Hudson holds both Charlie’s hands and jumps in the water. He doesn’t even dabble a toe. He just JUMPS IN.
It’s amazing and I’m in shock. And of course Charlie isn’t surprised at all because he knew Hudson was ready. (!) And suddenly, it’s a wonderful, wonderful hot August afternoon. Hudson keeps jumping in. Charlie’s thrilled. I’m thrilled. Hudson’s thrilled. I text pictures to his daddy and older brothers and they’re all amazed and thrilled too. It’s life changing for all of us.
And we visited the pool nearly every day after that until it closed for the season.
Hudson Taylor is an endearing little person. It’s not that I’m biased or anything. (I’m just his mother.)
He’s full of surprises, and I wonder what trick he’s got up his sleeve next.
I believe that people with special needs are far more like the rest of us than they are different. I came across this short video clip by BBC entitled “Things People with Down Syndrome Are Tired of Hearing” a few weeks ago. It made me smile and laugh out loud. (The girl with the red hair totally cracks me up, she’s awesome.)
Have a fabulous weekend my friends!
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Robin says
I love reading about your family,…you are an angel…many blessings…I love Hudson?
Allie says
Hi Robin – thank you for the kindness. I’ll remember your words on the hard days. Thanks for loving my Hudson. He is precious. (But I’m not biased or anything 🙂 ) Have a wonderful week!
Bresca says
Yay for Hudson and Charlie and all of you, for summer and water and wonderful surprises!
Allie says
Many thanks friend, looking forward to next summer already!
Erin says
The pictures tell it all. Way to go brothers! Thanks for sharing that great story Allie. I’ll be smiling all day.
Allie says
Dear Erin – I like to think of you smiling all day! Thanks, you’ll always be one of my heroes. xo
Laura says
So fun for Charlie and Hudson!! Such precious boys.
Allie says
Dear Laura – You gave Hudson one of the best weeks of his life this summer. What could be better than going to camp with his big brothers? The best gift ever, thank you. He started chattering the week you were here, went back to school this past week — still “talking” up a storm. Hope to see you very soon. xo
Jennifer says
Love this surprise of summer!! Way to be a great brother, Charlie! XO
Allie says
Yep, big surprise, and a good one too! Thanks cousin. xo
Ellen says
That is so wonderful!! What a sweet brother to coax Hudson along!! Now you have lots of options for hot summer days!
Allie says
Many hanks Elle, and we sure needed some options! Miss you.
Nancy Hammett says
Thank you for sharing this post. Houston is a sweet precious child. You’ll have sweet boys. You’ll are sweet loving family. Love your post. Gods blessings. ?
Allie says
Thank you so much sweet Nancy. I always love hearing from you.
Aunt Pinkie says
What a breakthrough for Hudson and you! Am so glad for you all!
Allie says
Thank you so much Aunt Pinkie, I sure hope he doesn’t forget about it by next summer. Maybe we’ll have to take him to the pool at the Y.
Carina says
Allie, that is wonderful! And in so many ways, too (brotherly love, Hudson’s progress, you get to enjoy swimming again…). I always say in life, that sometimes you have to “Jump in with both feet, and see where you land”. In this case, it was lovely, cool water… Yay! Xoxo
Allie says
You’re right Carina, there were layers to this story. And good ones. I was thinking of the very quote you mentioned when I titled this post. (Great minds think alike.) 🙂 Thinking of you and your family and hoping you have a wonderful week ahead sweet friend. xo
Tina Sneed says
I, too, am thrilled that Hudson jumped!
And thrilled that Charlie was intuitive and persistent!
Here’s to happy and WET summer days!
Allie says
Yes, cheers to wet summer days ahead. (next year) Thanks my friend, hope your school year is off to a great start!
Susie Mandel says
Awesome, Hudson! And way to go, Charlie! Just love your family, Allie. You and Jon have raised such wonderful boys. That video gets better each time I see it. I believe his name is Tommy and was the only male in the video, but he is hysterically funny. 😀
Allie says
Awww…thank you my friend. The boys are what (who?) alternately keeps me sane and drive me to the brink of insanity. (Does that make any sense???) Ha ha. Yes, Tommy is absolutely hysterical….he and the girl with red hair are a tie in my book. You really have to watch it closely to catch all the humor, the words are so fast.
Linda Jenkins says
This so great,not only for Hudson but also for your family. It is my faith in God. In His time and in His way, all things will be. What an inspirational and intuitive brother Charlie is.
Allie says
Awww…thank you my friend. Charlie’s a blessing for sure — he is very persistent about trying to get Hudson to learn things.
nancy mcmahan says
Allie thank you for this great muse today. I love your family. Good for Charlie knowing it was time. Way to go Hudson.
Allie says
You are very welcome Nan, you know I enjoyed writing it. And I love your family too. We are both caregivers in our different ways – and that carries with it beautiful blessings and challenges too. Glad we can support each other. xo
Jon says
What a gift to be on the other end of that text, and what a great reminder from those two boys what it looks like for all of us to jump in with both feet, seizing the moments, fears and all. Thanks for sharing, honey.
Allie says
Glad we’re in this together. XO
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Woot wooooooot!!! I’m totally over here clapping and doing a little happy dance for Hudson! Blueberry consumption AND jumping in the water?!? Hold the phone!! This is awesome, Allie!! I’m always so thrilled to hear about Hudson’s progress! And OMG, how cute is Charlie?! Confidently encouraging, helping and protecting Hudson! You have such a great family, girlfriend! I can only imagine how proud you are of your kids! Thanks for sharing! I am definitely over here celebrating all your family’s accomplishments with you! Cheers, lovely! xoxo
Allie says
Thanks for the joy, friend. There’s something so wonderful and refreshing when people genuinely share in the joy when good things that happen in your life. I feel it across the miles. And I’m truly thankful for these precious kids. XO
Kathy says
Wow! Wow!! Thanks, Allie! And what a precious moment to catch with (incredible) photos!
Allie says
Thank you Kathy, it’s quite a journey. And thanks so much for sharing in the joy!
Catherine says
Dear Allie, I love the photos of Charlie holding onto Hudson as he jumps in…it touches my heart! I’m so happy for Hudson…he’s becoming quite the adventurous one!
It’s beautiful to see siblings watching out for each other like that and to witness that bond between them. It’s wonderful how Charlie knew Hudson was ready to conquer his fear and helped him into the water. Blessings dear! xo, Catherine
Allie says
Yeah, the pictures say it all, as Erin said. It was a big big day for us and we look forward to more big accomplishments to come. I think Hudson will surprise us all. Thanks for sharing in the joy my friend! XO
Kellie says
I love this! I love how Charlie just knew…what a precious gift all your older boys have now that they are blessed to have Hudson as a brother. there are some people I have met in my life that have made an impact just by me meeting them and getting to know their story…people you will never forget and wish you could spend more time with. You are that kind of person. I just think the world of you, Allie. I will miss seeing you this year at school events, but I hope we can still connect!
Allie says
Kellie, you are so sweet. And I hope you know that I genuinely feel the same way – blessed to know you. If you ever doubt that, go to http://throughherlookingglass.com/surprised-by-grace/ and read exactly how I feel about you. I’ll be in touch, still want to cash in on that lunch we never fit in this summer. We’ll do it. I’m thinking Pickity Place. Lunch w/Kellie at Pickity Place – has a ring to it. XO
Eva says
Children are amazing! They are so intituive and clever! Bravo Charlie and bravo to Hudson! I watch video and is just great! It’s just good to reminds everybody that people with syndrome down they are amazing and great people! xx
Allie says
Thank you Eva, children are amazing. They often have insights beyond their years. I’m glad you watched the video, don’t know if many people did. The people featured are so precious and funny and accomplished. It’s obvious they’re loving life. Good for them. The rest of us could take note. Eva, have a WONDERFUL week. It was super to hear from you, thanks for dropping by my friend.
Aunt Margie says
Your blog is like a love letter to us all. Your end of summer achievement(s) was
Monumental. Hudson is making some big boy strides, and each baby step is a GIANT step for you all! Hooray Hudson, hooray Taylor’s!
Allie says
Thank you Auntie M, it sure is a joy to be able to share good news when it happens. Thanks for sharing the joy across the miles. Love you.