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Blogs by Patricia A. Oplinger
Love Gives Itself 10/1/2010 2:08:19 PM
You can't buy love. Love gives itself; it is not bought.
I've just returned from a few weeks visiting family and we all know what that can be like. There's a strong reason why Erma Bombeck titled one of her books "Family, the Ties That Bind and Gag Us".
On this particular autumn visit north, the bonding was incredibly apparent and lovingly tight. My grandson, Carson, a second-grader who stands high on the autism spectrum, with years of professional and heartfelt assistance under his little-boy belt, at his parents' suggestion, decided to babysit ME one night rather than visa versa.
Mom, Dad, and teenage brother went to a concert at a nearby venue while Carson and I hung out at home.
Along with Carson's parents (my son, Jim, and daughter-in-law, Renee), his teachers and medical specialists have earned my complete respect.
Like all good babysitters do, Carson read me a book - Pinocchio - with as much confidence and passion as Anderson Cooper reporting from Haiti.
At suppertime his table manners while eating pizza - with all that red sauce - were impeccable.
His physical enjoyment of kicking a soccer ball around the back yard like a world championship was at risk, was a testimony to a well-planned, well-executed and well-implemented IEP by the staff of his elementary school.
And after he slipped "Ice Age" into the DVD player, his correct identification and accurate pronunciation of every dinosaur's name as it traveled across the screen, was evidence of the motivation to learn and something I marveled at, remembering the early months of his life.
My gratitude goes out to each and every person who fostered and continue to energize Carson's growth as they willingly shower him with their skillful, generous love day after day. Love that gives of itself.
