Communication Frustrations

Today was one of those long, hard days. By the end of the day, after several meltdowns, Noah and I were both frustrated. 

My Mom is still in the hospital and he is so worried about her but with limited signs, words, and options on his communication device I’m sure he has unanswered questions. 

It’s hard, probably more so on him than me. Think about it – you’re a smart twelve year old. You're very social, observant, and aware of everything going on around you. But you are trapped. You can only ask certain questions, you can only say certain things. It has to be so frustrating for him. As his Mom it's difficult because I just want to fix it all and make it all better for him but I can't do that if I don't know exactly what the problem is or what his questions are. I'm hesitant to ask him too many probing questions to try and figure out what he's thinking because I don't want to put ideas in his head that might not be there. 

But finally at the end of the day, he seemed calmer and less worried. Hopefully Nana will be going home tomorrow and I can take him over to her house and he can see that she is ok for himself. 

The lyrics below are from a song by Rachel Coleman who started Signing Time. (If you don't what Signing Time is check it out. Maybe I should write a post about it. Yeah, I will soon.) The lyrics pretty much sum up how I feel a lot of the time. 

Show me a Sign by Rachel Coleman How are you doing little one? I’d like to know what’s on your mind Our days together, time together You and me, our one on one These are the times that make me smile You make me smile. Tell me that you love me, Tell me that you’re thinking of me Tell me all about the things you’re thinking Tell me that you’re happy And you love it when we’re laughing Tell me more, oh, tell me more, show me a sign Show me a sign

Every day you grow up more And teach me more about what I’m here for And every day I love you more I love you more. I love you!

Tell me that you love me Tell me that you’re thinking of me Tell me all about the things you’re thinking Day and night, both day and night Tell me that you’re happy And you love it when we’re laughing Tell me more, oh, tell me more show me a sign.