Very Special Clayton

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Today was a sad day for me. Clayton tried to hurt his teacher today and I had to pick him up. You'd think after all these years -I wouldn't take these "incidents" so hard. But, even after all these years...it's still difficult for me. Clayton is an 18 year old kid...he's blind and mentally challenged (aka. retarded). He was doing so good this year (so far). Then, within 2 weeks-Two outbursts. Yeah, he tried to hurt his teacher. Grab him....or something to that affect. I'm thankful that Mike (teacher) and the principal seem to be very set on trying to help Clayton succeed in this new program (post H.S). But, I'm still concerned. I know that God has always taken care of Clayton and his needs. I know that it's in God's hands. I do my part...beleive me. But, there is only so much I can do from home...when the incidents occur at school. They're trying to come up with a motivational / behaviorial plan for Clayton. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get him on track. While the med's have made a tremendous change in his behavior...a tremendous help with his anxiety issues...now, Clayton needs to work on his behavior himself. He needs to control himself and act appropriately. Yeah, easier said then done.

So, how much does Clayton really undertand??? Well, he can't remember what he had for lunch. He can't tell me what he did at school. Then there are times when he can hear music and tell me who is singing...The Doors, Nirvana, etc. and there are times when he'll sing a phrase before we can even tell what song is on...."Welcome to the jungle, baby" he'll blurt out.
The truth is.,..that Clayton comprehension level is unable to be measured. His communication level is very low.

The other day, I was listening to Clayton play in the room with Anika (his 2 year old sister). They were both laughing....playing in the toy box....cracking up. My heart was feeling very overjoyed by this scenen. I poked in the room and there they were...just playing. Little Anika was laying on the floor with her little feet on her big brother...her big 175 lbs brother. Anika was tickling Clayton with her feet....he had a huge smile on his face, head down as usual and this funny almost hysterical laugh....on and on. I enjoyed this nice little scene and thank God for this blessing. Then it hit me...I was watching Anika ..a two year old and Clayton ...a four year old in a 18 year old body. What a revelation.