AARON'S BRIDGE

Diagnosis

Mom came home today, crying.
Dad too, and he held her hand.
They had been to the doctor with you,
A routine checkup only.
I’d never thought twice about it.
Why you didn’t talk in English,
How your speech wasn’t words.
It always made sense to me.
Or how you liked to flap your hands in the air.
I thought in celebration,
But really trying to grasp a bit of normalcy.
Or the way you loved to spin in circles,
Over, over, over.
Round, round, round.
It seemed like fun to me.
These silly pleasures of childhood,
They will forever be a drug,
Soothing the wires in your brain that are crossed.
Not badly,
Just differently.
Connections, nerve impulses
Firing in a way we can’t understand.
Sweet baby brother,
We thought you’d grow out of it,
And we giggled at your eccentricities.
Never once thinking this was permanent.
“Autism” was never in our vocabulary,
No one told us about the Spectrum
Where you fall somewhere, 1 in every 150.
There is no cure, no magic pill.
Just “progress.”
But, today, I made you a promise.
Breathed it in your ear in a moment of peace
I made sure no one looked.
I’ll love you always,
Do my best to make you understand.
Somehow you comprehended my words,
A moment of clarity in clouded eyes.
Defied the disease,
And wrapped an arm around my shoulder.
Physical touch not driving you wild for a beautiful once.

Anna Geary

Disclaimer: Aaron’s Bridge seeks to provide information with regard to medical research and treatment options for autism and related conditions.
None of the information included on this website should be construed as medical or legal advice.