I long ago became a master of acceptance when it came to Isaiah.

There had been signs such as missed milestones and delayed speech. He formed quirks; I was unable to understand at the time, but in the years that have since passed I have come to cherish them. He struggles socially but is a whiz kid in mathematics, especially awe-inspiring in geometry.

If I wear certain shapes on my being it allows him to express thoughts and feelings more openly. When he becomes inundated with particular social situations, he will use geometry to quell his stress.

Enough of that woolgathering. It’s important to have a schedule to adhere to…Isaiah depends on it to feel safe in the predictability of his home.

Isaiah came downstairs in the morning at the sure-fire time of 7:15 am. Unexpectedly I dropped my coffee cup on the floor; it was cacophonous, and it startled him. Pieces of ceramic bestrewed across the floor; I then erroneously released an expletive from my lips. My son looked at me and blurted out, “Stop! You’re firing triangles into the air, cold, icy triangles!”

“Isaiah, I’m sorry. I just broke my coffee cup.” His eyes focused on my sphere-shaped earrings.

“It’s OK, mother, your sweeping of the floor is now focused circles.” His calm tone spilled out of him, onto me. Sudden thoughts left my clean up at a standstill.

Is it strange for him to live in a geometric world? Perhaps not. I stand in front of him on a cubic tiled floor, I drink out of my globular cup. This is something he could always count on.

He inspires in youth a sense of possibility and in me a sense of greenness because he views the world with a different set of eyes. He’s contentedly home in his triangular-quadrate-spherical world.  I’m simply happy to report that his mother fits squarely in it.

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    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    2 years ago

    We all view the world with a different set of eyes but your story enabled me to enter the world of Isaiah and, just for a while, see it through his eyes. I read your story twice Melissa, because to experience such a world is very special. Beautifully written in the voice of a mother whose love and understanding shines through.

    Fuji
    Fuji(@fuji)
    2 years ago

    Incredible story, Melissa. Rather than tell us about Isaiah’s world, you’ve invited us in, with love and appreciation. I have a young friend, almost 40 years my junior, who defines her world through geometry and through classical music. When she was very young, she was labelled autistic, but she didn’t fit any labels. She has created her own world, and, as a rising senior in college now, is redefining the definition of… Read more »

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    2 years ago

    Great story Melissa, and easy to see that it comes from some level of experience. Humans are very good at adapting and finding their own way of fitting in and coping with the world. You demonstrated this beautifully and in a very sensitive way.

    Eric Radcliffe
    Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
    2 years ago

    Hi Melissa, I think you said it all when you said – “does not fit in any label squarely” in your reply. I do not know why we have to label that which is different. Just wouldn’t the world be a better place if we just loved the differences in people. You brought this out in the story beautifully. Well written Melissa ?

    Brigitta Hegyi
    Brigitta Hegyi(@brigitta-hegyi)
    2 years ago

    Being unique is the best thing. Kids like Isaiah can teach adults how to accept someone who is different. Lovely story!

    Jess Maynard
    Jess Maynard(@jess-maynard)
    2 years ago

    I love stories that give insight into various perspectives on the world. It’s incredible how the human mind interprets sensory data in so many different ways. I really enjoyed your story!

    Sandra James
    Sandra James(@sandra-james)
    2 years ago

    Lovely, Melissa! A wonderful insight into the lives of special children, and their mothers. I think you turned a very good story into a great story with that closing sentence. Well done!

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    2 years ago

    This is a wonderfully told story, Melissa. It is very educating for us who lack this experience. I love the patient, accepting and open minded attitude of the mother. It gives Isaiah a safe ground to grow from.

    Alan Kemister
    Alan Kemister(@alan-kemister)
    2 years ago

    Beautifully done. So many children, even ones not diagnosed as having autism, have trouble fitting in and come up with their own way of coping. This story using geometry as its focus shows how a mother and her son can make it work. It also gave you an opportunity to work in lots of synonyms for squares triangles and circles. I thought quadrate was interesting. That’s a term usually associated with heraldry.… Read more »

    Dipayan Chakrabarti
    Dipayan Chakrabarti(@dipayan-chakrabarti)
    2 years ago

    The world of children living with autism is beautifully portrayed to evoke the milk of kindness in the reader.

    Dipayan Chakrabarti
    Dipayan Chakrabarti(@dipayan-chakrabarti)
    2 years ago

    You’re welcome, Melissa.

    Katerina Bizirtsaki
    Katerina Bizirtsaki(@katerina-bizirtsaki)
    2 years ago

    This is a quite beautiful story, Melissa, a real treat to read. I utterly enjoyed every sentence!

    Katerina Bizirtsaki
    Katerina Bizirtsaki(@katerina-bizirtsaki)
    Reply to  Melissa Taggart
    2 years ago

    You’re very welcome!
    And it’s really interesting to hear what the writer really feels.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    2 years ago

    Wow. I love it, Melissa. Great story.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Melissa Taggart
    2 years ago

     ?  You’re welcome.

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