Memories

For the longest time Jonathon never expressed to us that he had a memory for events that have happened in his life. We know he has the ability to memorize movies, but that is not the same as being able to remember a real life event and share that memory with someone.  

People often assume Jonathon has a greater understanding of language than he does due to his verbal nature. In fact, the majority of his language is echolalia (repeating lines from movies). When Jonathon has original language he struggles to get his word out to share his thoughts or memories.

The other day, he commented “that Grampa DeVries is dead.” I responded, “You’re missing Grampa DeVries. What do you remember about Grampa DeVries?” I could see him struggle to bring the words to the front of his mind and to get them out in the order he intended: “with my hands… to look like this (demonstrating the movements of his hands)…on that… Grampa DeVries… on his tummy yummy.”

How wonderful for Jonathon to have that memory and to be able to share it! He and his Grampa used to play a little game where Jonathon would poke or pound on Grampa’s rotund tummy and Grampa would, in turn, let out an exaggerated moan. Jonathon loved that game because it was predictable… I poke Grampa, he’s going to bellow.

My heart is happy knowing Jonathon, is, and will carry his Grampa’s memory with him throughout his life.