Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. —Mother Teresa
My beautiful 8 year old autistic grandson, Liam, continues to amaze me with his unique perspective on life. I want to share a story that was relayed to me recently that demonstrates why he is such a special boy with an amazing way of communicating his special observations on everyday life that so many of us overlook.
Liam and his family belong to a small neighborhood swimming pool where they spend the hot summer weekends with other residents in the area. Recently, Liam was lounging near the pool when one of the adults nearby began talking in a somewhat stern manner to another about some issue of importance to the man. As Liam casually listened to the man's diatribe he suddenly raised his hand as he no doubt was taught to do in school and said politely to the gentleman, "excuse me, excuse me". The man stopped in mid-conversation and recognizing the little interrupter said, "yes Liam, what is it?" Liam looked him in the eye and said, "are you happy?" The man, somewhat taken aback by the question, said in response, "why yes, I'm happy". Liam then said to the man, "then do this" as he took his little fingers and, forcing the edges of his mouth upward, demonstrated to the man what a big smile looked like on a happy person. You see, Liam is a naturally happy boy who believes that everyone should be happy like him and be able to share that happiness by using their smile as an expression of that feeling.
Isn't it a blessing that we are given this wonderful lesson of life from this special little guy who wants all of us to be happy in the way that he is.
So I will close with this thought from Liam: Are you happy? Then do this!
Decatur, IL
