New Neighbor

A new family moved across the street last year.  They have a little boy, who is around three or four, who has some developmental issues and a seizure disorder.  He can't speak, but does vocalize through hums and happy shrieks.  He can also sign.  He is a sweet, sweet boy who has fallen in love with my boys and with Chewy.

We find this little boy at our house quite a bit, playing with the dog, clapping and laughing as Chewy fetches and races around him, playing with balls or rope.  Chewy is so very gentle with him and will sit perfectly still as the boy pets him or hugs him.  We told the boys' parents they are welcome to come over to play with the dog whenever they want because of course, Chewy loves the attention and the affection.

A month or so ago, the little boy ran across the street without his parents.  I think he escaped from the house when his parents' backs were turned.  Chris and I caught him when he was about halfway across the street and escorted him over to our house to play.  His mom wasn't too far behind him.  We thought the boy wanted to play with Chewy, so I called Chewy to come into the front yard to play with him.  But when Chewy appeared, while the boy was happy to pet him, he appeared to be looking for something or someone else that he couldn't vocalize.

A moment or two later, Aidan walked into the front yard and this boy exploded in sheer joy.  He clapped his hands, smiled from ear to ear and shrieked small shouts of happiness.  He repeated this, a second and a third time, when both Brennan and Griffin came out to play.  The little boy liked the dog, but he really wanted the time with my boys.

My boys played with him for a long while.  They play with him every time he comes across the street to play.  A few days ago, they went into the little boy's yard to play with him and go through the sprinkler with him.  They played over at his house for an hour or two and all I could hear was this little boy laughing and clapping the entire time.

Last week, the boy escaped the house again, running across the street when he saw us outside.  Chris ran and grabbed him to escort him across the street.  His Dad was out a few minutes later, apologizing profusely, but he laughed and said our yard was just too big a draw.  The Dad watched his little boy playing with my boys, got quiet for a minute and cleared his throat.

He turned to me and said quietly, "Your boys have been great with my boy.  We feel grateful with how they play with him and are kind to him.  Thanks for that."  He stopped and his eyes teared up. "The other day, he was looking out the front window, watching your boys play in the front yard.  He looked at me, pointed outside and signed the word for friends.  Friends."  He stopped again and nodded.  "It means a lot."

I think it meant just as much to me and Chris.