eSpecially Ben

Ben saw some kids at the park playing in a big pile of leaves.  Ben wanted to be a part of it all. They let him join in and even brought over more leaves for him to enjoy.

I just bought a new pill box, the one with the days of the week written on each small compartment. It has a button on either end - red to unlock the compartments and green to lock the compartments. As I was filling it and thinking about what a clever gadget it is, I stopped in my tracks and realized the reason I bought a new one was because Ben ripped open the other with his teeth. I just don't think the little button system will stop him from getting into this one. That will be a job for some engineer, making something Ben-proof.

At my parent teacher conference, Ben's new teacher shared a story about him. There is a girl in the class who is in a wheelchair, has very little movement and is completely non-verbal. Since the first day in class, Ben has been interested in her. He reaches for her hand, holds it and makes her smile. From what the teacher said, they have a bond; a friendship has formed. I know how special Ben is, about his ability to bring people together, but I was still struck by this story.  The teacher spoke about Ben's compassion. Have I ever considered this emotion in Ben? Had I thought him capable? How sensitive and thoughtful is the teacher to see this unfolding in the class and describe it with such love and caring? Once again, Ben has taught me something new.