There will be people on Wes’ journey that watch out for him. It doesn’t always have to be you. Those words couldn’t be more true.
I’m starting to see all the different things that could make friendships challenging for Wes. He simply doesn’t want to do the things other kids want to do at 6 years old. For Wes, the anxiety is worse than punishments, ultimatums and/or the excitement of doing something fun. For instance, I’m trying to adopt Christmas traditions that we loved growing up. What’s the most obvious? Christmas lights. “Wes, let’s get some hot chocolate ready and hit the road to see some cool Christmas lights!” “No, maybe later.” Hard pass. Seriously?! .”..but….HOT CHOCOLATE!” Still no. After a comprehensive debate and full-on bribery using every ounce of creativity, I finally convinced him.
“Want to play outside?” Wes’ friend pleaded. His response? You guessed it. No thanks. However, this particular friend is a little different than all the rest. One day out of the blue Wes had shared with him that he has OCD. From the other room, I leaned forward to pick up more of the conversation. He explained how sometimes his brain gets stuck. And things have to be just right all the time. While I was proud of him for so confidently sharing this I also worried about him getting made fun of for being different. Kids can be mean.
Wow is this kid proving me wrong. Yes, kids can be mean. They can also empathize and protect in ways I never thought possible. Not too long after Wes shared his challenges with his buddy a cool thing happened. They were debating what to watch on TV and Wes was stuck on a particular type of show that he always watches. “Wes, now’s your chance! You can fight OCD! You don’t HAVE to watch that, you can watch something different!” This epiphany came from the purest and most genuine caring places. And, Wes flipped the channel. On another occasion, this same little buddy pleaded for Wes to come play outside. “I know it’s harder for you, Wes.” Wow, just wow. His buddy was patient yet persistent and sure enough he finally broke down in agreement and had fun.
Even adults find it hard to stand up for what they believe in and for other people. And, Wes has a friend that’s strong enough to do just that. The other day on the playground, Wes was lazing around in a swing that’s shaped like a little saucer. Some bigger kids started to push it around and Wes didn’t want to be pushed around. His buddy picked up on what was happening, seeing his friend in distress. Rather than join in jokingly or walk away his little buddy stood up for Wes and asked them to stop. WOW.
There’s a choice we make when people are different than us. We can protect and watch out for them or ostracize them. Appreciate their differences or make them feel like they don’t belong. Empathize or judge. And, I’m so incredibly inspired by Wes’ little buddy; that such a small person can think so BIG.
My friend was right. There ARE guardian angels that will watch out for him. I don’t have to be there every minute.
Peace & Victory,
JM
Defeating the OCD Flea 