My son Hunter (age 10) was born with a rare chromosome disorder. Hunter expresses himself with a very loud voice and sometimes is hard to understand. However, he is the most loving child in the world. The day finally came when my daughter, Brooke, who was five at the time asked me why Hunter was different from her. I explained to her that Hunter was missing a chromosome and it makes it harder for him to learn things. I explained to her that his aggressive behavior is Hunter’s way of making sure we are listening and paying attention. Of course, I explained more, but I am just giving you the jist of it.
Weeks later, Hunter, Brooke and I went to get them haircuts. We were in the salon and they called Hunter’s name first. Brooke and I sat in the waiting area and I was reading her a book when all the sudden a loud voice came through the front door. It was an older man that appeared to be the son of one of the hair stylists. It was obvious to me that he was a man with special needs. He was speaking very loudly much like Hunter does. Brooke looked at him almost as if she was examining his behavior. She then looked over at me with her beautiful, innocent eyes and said, “He must be missing a chromosome too!” Isn’t it amazing how she remembered what I told her about her brother and she knew this man was special too. It was just priceless and I will never, ever forget that day!!!
Melissa Todd
