It was not one of Micah’s better days. His OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) was raging, and he could not seem to stop himself from trying to pick up every stray hair or piece of dirt within eyesight to either put it in his mouth or throw it somewhere. These days of heightened OCD are hard enough to handle at home, but we were sitting in church. I tried quietly whispering to him, then demonstrating quiet hands by folding my hands which helped for about 30 seconds then he was on the prowl for more dirt on the floor or hair off of me. Just when I thought he could not be any more distracting for those poor souls around us he decided it was now time to toss the hair that he had found in the pew ahead of us, where sat a family I did not know who had recently begun attending our church.
As my frustration grew I reminded myself that it would not be good to start strangling my son as we were sitting in church; he cannot help this behavior, it is against the law; he is 6’2″ and way stronger than me; I am his mother and love him; and everyone in church and God would see me do it (not quite in that order, but please grant grace)! Just then we were asked to greet someone near us and the kind mother in the family in the pew ahead, whose name I still don’t know, turned around and smiled and said “you are such a wonderful mother”, I gulped and did not share my homicidal musings from a moment before. Instead, I thanked her adding that I hoped he had not been too distracting as he has been a rascal. Now only the blessed Spirit could have made the word “rascal” come out of my mouth as Micah was being far more than that. But her kindness and support were so appreciated and hung over us like a warm cloak through the rest of the day, helping me to have more patience with Micah and making me thankful once again for a caring church family.
Of course, not all strangers are as caring or understanding and I could share about some of the more distressing reactions of people to Micah’s admittedly bizarre behaviors. However, I am hoping that this blog highlights the fact that a few words of kindness can make a huge difference in the lives of families navigating autism or any other family challenge for that matter. Thanks to all who step into our often messy lives with your compassion and support. We need and so appreciate you.
Jan Lessard Peightell March 9, 2022
PS Micah and Melody have added some new tie-dye creations to his website. Check them out if interested. https://themicahjames.com/