As GEMM lurks...

If you understand why this photo

scares me, then you "get it".

The Green-Eyed Monster Momma is always lurking in the shadows. Sometimes her voice is a mere whisper in the void. An edge of sadness, loneliness or guilt that taints me. On good days, in good times, when Jonathan is doing well and we are seeing progress, she is faint and weakened. But she is always there, ready to rear her head and pull me down into the depths.

This weekend, she really got her hooks into me.

J-man and I went up to my parent's cabin this weekend. It is lovely... cool and green and relaxing. Jonathan loves to run in the yard, around the cabin and in the woods. But he most especially loves the water... to go on the dock and on the pontoon boat, look into the water and feel the waves. He is no happier when we are at the beach; at the water's edge, splashing and playing with the plastic boats. It is a great way to spend a summer weekend.

The cabin is located near some family friends' cabins, which makes for a lot of get-togethers and BBQs. The families work on projects together, go out boating together. I wouldn't be surprised if my parents retire near these friends and grow old together. These are lifelong friends of my parents. I grew up with their kids and they all have children of their own. Three generations of friends that are practically family.

Generally they are aware of Jonathan's issues. Of course, they do not know the depth and breadth of his delays, but I have explained briefly what is going on with him. Basically, I get pretty much the same response I get from everyone who isn't around Jonathan that much.... apparently, I am over-reacting and he will grow out of it. After this weekend they may refine their opinion... but then again, denial is a river that runs very deep.

Last night we were invited to a BBQ at their place. Jonathan was being a pill. His ability to tolerate the word "no" is very small and limited, and his temper tantrums are a work of art. I also think he was overtired and overstimulated by all the people and activity. He wanted to go to the water, to the boats, and get away from everyone. So, he and I sat on the pontoon boat at the end of the dock and watched the shore from afar. Adults chatted, children ran and played, a bonfire burned bright. And I sat alone on the boat with my son and felt so isolated and alone.

As it got darker and closer to dinner, I decided to bring Jonathan up to the house and endure the tantrum. Jonathan has a bit of the drama-king in him. He can throw himself down on the floor with the best of them. I have found that the best response in no response. Sit him down and let him rage... ignore and it will abate over time. Alas, the old ladies in the room (of which there were four) felt a need to try and 'fix' the situation. Advice whirled past me. Firmly, I said no... let him be... and thankfully my mom backed me up! So there I sat exhausted, my non-verbal tantruming two and a half year old son on the floor next to me.

I am used to being around other children of the same age as Jonathan who are developing typically. It is to be expected, and although it often brings GEMM out of the shadows, it doesn't generally fire her up. Rather, it comes into focus how behind Jonathan is, and a certain amount of despair fills my heart. But I have gotten better at pushing that aside and going on with the hope that someday those differences won't be as stark.

This evening was no different. Two other toddlers roamed around the cabin, one six months younger than Jonathan and one six months older. Both perfectly verbal and playing appropriately. They offered him toys and snacks (at their grandmas' urging), all of which we rejected with a whine and a flop by Jonathan.

One of these grandmas... a family friend of old who is not really known for her sensitivity and tack... was able to rouse GEMM to a full fury. As Jonathan lay on the floor, unengaged and acting so terribly 'autistic-like', this grandma called to her granddaughter and said "Hey Susie*, tell Pia 'I love you'."

And she piped up in this sweet little voice, "I luv you".

This 'old friend' laughed and said "Isn't that the sweetest thing you have every heard?".

And I think every organ in my body stopped.

It wasn't that Susie said it. She is very verbal. It is that her grandma... this 'friend'... prompted her to do it. To me. When my own son might not ever be able to say it, who was currently laying at my feet and moaning. It felt like a slap. It felt a deliberate 'na-na-ne-na-na'. Even GEMM was stunned. My escape couldn't be fast enough. I regrouped enough to make our excuses and bale. And as soon as I hit our car GEMM came out, crashing through my body and soul. There are no words to explain.

Later my mother said that she was sorry... that this 'friend' is flighty and non-sensibly and doesn't think. All true. But cruelty is still cruelty, even if unintentional. I have a 1000 things I wish I would have said... have done... to respond. I wish I had let GEMM out to do some damage... to inflict a little of the pain I felt. I didn't and I won't. Instead it will nest in me... and I fear what might grow.

Pia

*Susie is the name I have chosen for all cute kids who are supposedly better than the J-Man. If your name is actually Susie, please do not be offended.