So today, as Ellie dug into her yogurt and strawberry o’s and milk, Leo played happily a few feet away. He didn’t even need his Johnny book today, actually, casually dropping it by his cubby on the way to the classroom.
He started out sitting alongside another little boy. They sat across from each other at a tiny circular table and quietly worked on a puzzle of a boat scene. Leo was chattering away to this little boy (who happens to be the older brother of one of Ellie’s BFFs—he’s a very sweet kid). The little boy responded to Leo and they seemed to be having some kind of conversation though I couldn’t make it out.
After a few minutes, Leo moved on to reading some books. He and a different boy sat next to each other on the brightly colored ABC rug and read from giant version of Curious George books.
A little while later, Leo had moved on to the play kitchen where a complicated meal was being prepared and Leo seemed to be head chef.
When I left, Leo was in the midst of an intricate skit with puppets. He had fellow actors as well as a small audience.
For some reason I often think that Leo plays alone at daycare. I don’t know why I think this, since he and Ellie create some intricate scenarios almost daily, involving hay rides and the play kitchen at the tea set and the Little People. Maybe it’s because other kids at daycare can’t understand a lot of what he says. And shoot, he often likes to be alone. But in these few minutes this morning, I was reminded of how wrong I am. I was also reminded of what inclusion looks like. Leo is truly “one of the guys.”
Yes, Leo’s behavior can sometimes be challenging. He sometimes doesn’t “act” like the other kids. They don’t always know understand his speech. But you know what? Nobody seems to care. At all. And it’s just so awesome and refreshing and most of all, reassuring.
And yes of course, when I climbed into the van to drive to the bus stop to go to work, I cried.
Happy tears.
Enjoying a little before school Really Rosie.
