The Never Normal

I’m at work and my cell phone rings.  (If it’s the area code where Jonah lives now, my heart goes into my throat, even though they’re usually “only” calling to notify me, as they must, that Jonah was involved in an incident.  That means he probably scratched, bit, kicked, and pulled God knows how many people’s hair.  It means they had to physically restrain him to prevent him from hurting himself or others).

It is the area code, and they are calling me to relate an incident.  When we hang up I call Andy and tell myself to just go back to work.  There isn’t anything I can do.

For years, behaviorists and teachers, psychiatrists, Andy, me – everyone – has been searching for a pattern to Jonah’s aggressions, a cause.  A reason for all this.  It isn’t who he is, the violent kid trying to scratch your eyes out.  It isn’t who he is.  It is as frustrating as anything I’ve ever known.  I don’t want to think about it today.  I want to know my son without having to fear him as well.  Thank God the world is catching on and more & more is being done for people with autism.

They say Jonah loves the new temporary house.  He can see the river and the railroad tracks, and right there you’ve got two of his favorite things:  water and train.

Jonah, at the glaucoma appointment, wearing J's sunglasses, playing it cool

I’m taking a couple days to go offline and see Guster (again) for my last concert this tour.  If I’m lucky, the dreaded area code will not appear on my cell phone until I return.  Be well, Boo.  Your mama loves you.