Remarkable

"That's remarkable" our retired neighbor, who just happens to be a nose, ear, throat specialist, remarked after giving Gus a quicky ear examinaton and finding one ear in the early stages of an infection.

What he had just witnessed was Gus - like the pill-popping pro that he is now - matter of factly taking a antibotic pill from the good doctor's hand, putting it in his mouth and swallowing it with nary a frown. A few sips of water and he was off to explore a strange house, we had just begged our way into in the early evening hours of Sunday.

We are so blessed to live in a small community, where knowing people puts you in touch with a sturdy network of family and friends, who have all kinds of talents, services and goods to offer.

Yesterday, after Gus without a doubt communicated that his right ear was hurting,(I take back my comment made in an earlier post about Gus' disinterest to communicate pain. He is just like his Dad, when the pain is bad, he will let you know, otherwise there is little use talking about it) I felt panic rising in my throat. Faced with a floppy child in clear pain and the fact that it was Sunday 6 p.m., I suddenly remembered that one of our close friend's father-in-law is a retired ear, nose, throat doctor, who lives just up the street. Two quick calls and with typical Southern genteelness we were invited into a home, where Dr. Fred with reassurance and quick reflexes made the exam a cinch. Gus did great and didn't flinch - much.

Then things got quickly better. I felt so relieved to know that my maternal instincts were right on - for once. Not only did Dr. Fred compliment us on coming quick ("I rarely see an infection this early") he also lauded Gus on his great exam manners and was downright amazed when it came to dispensing the necessary antibiotic to turn the infection around quick.

If you are like me - the mother of a child with special needs - hearing phrases like "that's remarkable" said in connection with your child are rare. Yes, people try to make up for all those perceived delays, by complimenting Gus on his looks, which I gladly take, or remarking on him being "special" or his overall cuteness, which at the age of 4 is starting to sound just a bit patronizing, but whatever...

To hear for once that Gus is really good as something (even if it is pill-popping) is simply balm on my sore soul. It goes to illustrate perfectly how Gus works. While there is an entire industry focusing on all the berry/grape/cherry flavors that will make modern pharmaceuticals palatable to young children, my child prefers a bitter straight-forward pill. He doesn't want to be teased or apeased, he wants to face the danger (or in this case, bad taste) head on and get it over with. I can respect that.

Yep. Different, special and cute, but not without reason. If I could only imagine having a brain that translates everything just a bit different from what everyone else sees, I would be one cranky customer, Gus on the other hand, does most things with much openess, little apprehension and an amazing amount of courage.
And yes, he slept great without a fever and is having a great day today. He even ate, which after 3 days of fevers and fasting is a huge relief.
We are learning so much during this time of illness. Jacob and I are learning about Gus, Gus is learning about us and, most importantly, he is learning something valuable about himself. He can most anything, even if he doesn't like it.
I'm so proud of my little guy.
He is truly remarkable. Even if it is often hard to gauge.