Walt's Chickadee
Note: I have been blessed in my life to know a number of autistic children and adults who teach me more than I will teach them. The following is a reflection of my friend Walt. I ask simply that you read my simple words and share an awareness of the gifts offered by special needs adults and children.
An old timer declared through his crooked smile that a wise man listens longer than a person speaks. I must admit I didn't truly completely understand what he was saying until I met Walt.
Walt is a tool guy. He uses his skills to turn scrape materials into things important to him. Walt sees usefulness where others see waste.
Trash day is one of Walt's favorite days of the week. He acquires toys or tools. He cleans and repairs them adding value before selling. When most people work to get paid, Walt understands that you get paid for adding value to a product, service or organization.
Walt is a person of his word. He doesn't have an agenda or say something with dual meanings. Walt is direct and refreshingly honest. He is old school. Walt says what he means and he means what he says. His word can be taken to the bank.
I truly value Walt's friendship because Walt treats his friends the way he wants to be treated. Walt is kind and helpful even when others are not kind to him. Walt models forgiveness.
A year ago, my son and I enjoyed a day of bird watching with Walt and his dad. It was a great day for birding. Rare migratory water fowl were plentiful along with common Ohio birds. I was excited that Walt's first day of birding included a number of notable birds.
We always ask a first time birder about their most memorable bird of the day. Always, a first timer responds with a rare bird. Walt's response took me back.
Walt said his favorite bird was a chickadee. Chickadees are common plentiful birds that can be seen in any yard.
I listened longer than Walt talked. Walt said, "chickadees are my favorite because I can see them everyday. Those other birds are only here once in awhile."
I listened longer then Walt talked and I am better person for it. Walt reminded me that true beauty is in our everyday lives. It is found in a smile from a friend, in an I love you, or in the chirping of an everyday bird. When others see beauty in the rarities of life, Walt sees beauty in the everyday abundance we call life.
I must share that Walt is a teenager. He is not your ordinary teenager. He has a special vision that comes with autism.
Walt's vision is to see usefulness and beauty in his everyday life. He reminds us all that life is greater when we live by the golden rule.
Walt is my friend and teacher. I value his friendship because I know it is sincere.
Walt is a tool guy. He uses his skills to turn scrape materials into things important to him. Walt sees usefulness where others see waste.
Trash day is one of Walt's favorite days of the week. He acquires toys or tools. He cleans and repairs them adding value before selling. When most people work to get paid, Walt understands that you get paid for adding value to a product, service or organization.
Walt is a person of his word. He doesn't have an agenda or say something with dual meanings. Walt is direct and refreshingly honest. He is old school. Walt says what he means and he means what he says. His word can be taken to the bank.
I truly value Walt's friendship because Walt treats his friends the way he wants to be treated. Walt is kind and helpful even when others are not kind to him. Walt models forgiveness.
A year ago, my son and I enjoyed a day of bird watching with Walt and his dad. It was a great day for birding. Rare migratory water fowl were plentiful along with common Ohio birds. I was excited that Walt's first day of birding included a number of notable birds.
We always ask a first time birder about their most memorable bird of the day. Always, a first timer responds with a rare bird. Walt's response took me back.
Walt said his favorite bird was a chickadee. Chickadees are common plentiful birds that can be seen in any yard.
I listened longer than Walt talked. Walt said, "chickadees are my favorite because I can see them everyday. Those other birds are only here once in awhile."
I listened longer then Walt talked and I am better person for it. Walt reminded me that true beauty is in our everyday lives. It is found in a smile from a friend, in an I love you, or in the chirping of an everyday bird. When others see beauty in the rarities of life, Walt sees beauty in the everyday abundance we call life.
I must share that Walt is a teenager. He is not your ordinary teenager. He has a special vision that comes with autism.
Walt's vision is to see usefulness and beauty in his everyday life. He reminds us all that life is greater when we live by the golden rule.
Walt is my friend and teacher. I value his friendship because I know it is sincere.
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