Love Without Words

Love Without Words
            Hugs with my severely autistic son sometimes look awkward. He often responds to a hug request with a brusque shoulder bump rather than a full on, heartfelt hug.
            What a surprise it was when a week ago, unrequested by me, my son faced me, looked me in the eye, and put both arms around me with a comforting squeeze. He hugged me for a long time, patting me on the back as one does when trying to make someone feel better. He pulled his head back to look me in the eye with a smile several times, going back in for more of his warm embrace of encouragement.
            I had not been crying. I had not asked for a hug. I had not talked about needing comfort. I had recently been anxious about a family health situation, and though I wasn’t talking about it to him, he must have sensed that I was worried above and beyond my everyday stress level.
            My heart was stirred by what felt like words of comfort emanating from his embrace. As mother to a son who does not communicate easily and often pushes gestures of affection away, this was one of the greatest treasures I’ve received from him.
            A week later, he did it again. The magical sense that he was talking to me without words was just as powerful the second time. 
            I cannot complain when his sensory system triggers him to dodge my attempts at affection. The fact that he could drop his sensory guard to so remarkably show his love without words counterbalances all his dismissals of affection over the years.
            Do you have someone in your life who communicates more effectively in silence than in words? Embrace those powerful silent communications, and keep putting one foot forward!
            This week’s Hike Notes, Stapleveldt Trail-Mt. Tam, leads readers along a trail highlighted by moss, ferns, redwoods, wooden fences and wooden footbridges.
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Hike Notes 236: Stapleveldt Trail-Mt. Tam