• Breathe in. Breathe out. Take a step back.
    Turn away and Hold still. Wait for the shock to settle.
    Hold breath. Try not to shake.
    Squeeze eyes shut. Don’t let the sorrow rack through body.
    Let no tears fall. Hold it in since it is possible.
    Calm. Steady features. Turn back around and smile at Will.
    Watch as Will smiles back. Watch as he awkwardly reaches up.
    Put hands out to him. Pick him up.
    Hold him tight. Breathe in his scent. Breathe out.
    Feel his hands wrap around neck. Feel his head burying under chin.
    Concentrate on how his breath evens out. Let breath follow suit.
    It doesn’t take long to forget about the day.

    Every derogatory word or statement flows away.
    Every scream and comeback slips off the tongue silently.
    Every put-down, slam-down, take-down gets shoved out.

    No one can call Will a monstrosity, a monster, an accident, a freak and not be punished. A child never deserves harsh words. Especially when it is about something they never had control over.

    Will is smart. Will is strong. Will is all there is left to live for.
    He may be slow, unsteady, and needs help with simple tasks.
    But he can hack a computer, create advanced software, do calculus in his sleep.
    And so much more! If only THEY could see that too.

    However…

    Sigh. Forget about the day.
    Pet Will’s head. Carry him into the kitchen.
    Set him down on his chair. Lock him in place. Smile at him.
    Grab the pre-blended food. Feed him.
    Will nonverbally says “thanks” with his eyes. Smile again.
    Eat quickly. Take Will into bathroom. Wash him.
    Dry him. Change him. Place him on the bed.
    Put side bars up. Reassure Will he is fine.
    Quickly go get shower. Change. Get into bed.
    Let Will cuddle. Hug him close.
    Just take things one day at a time.