Hugs and Loves

For years, Bambam has greeted me first thing in the morning by asking for a hug. I'm not sure when this started, it must have been somewhere around 3 years of age when he began using words. Every morning He comes downstairs with arms stretched out saying "hug". Bambam is a sensory seeker. Deep pressure calms him. I think this is his way of grounding himself before the onslaught of the day starts. And of course I comply. Because what mom doesn't want to start the day with a big squeeze. It is awesome.

For the past 4 years, everytime I get my morning squeeze, I say "I love you". And for years it was answered by complete silence. And then, as words came for him, he would respond with "I like you". But he never said the word love. I often wondered why. I'm sure he could pronounce it, he says much harder words. My (probably flawed) reasoning is because he didn't understand the abstract meaning and how to apply it. The word like is used much more frequently in our everyday language. I like toys, I like playing, I like brother, etc. But love is not used as often. So it is harder for him to learn how to use it.

And then one day a couple of weeks ago when I said "I love you" during our morning squeeze, he looked at me and said, "I love planes". Progress! I was so excited as I also recognized that every autism parent needs to have thick skin and not be offended easily. I mean really, who wants to hear "I love planes" in response to telling them "I love you"? Well, I do as it means progress. He does love planes, he was learning how to use the word love.

This morning during our morning squeeze, I must have been a little distracted as my "I love you" was delayed. And I was rewarded by my little man saying "I love you". And I cried.

My 7 year old son said "I love you" for the first time ever today. 

Best. Day. Ever.