When it comes to my son, I suppose “quirky” is an apt description. From an early age, he demonstrated preferences that set him apart. At just one year old, he developed an unusual attachment to puffy snow boots, wearing them throughout 2009—regardless of the season, often paired with shorts and sans socks. The odor emanating from those tiny feet was quite unforgettable, to say the least.
After his boot phase, he transitioned to a pair of fireman rain boots gifted by a neighbor. Whenever it rained, he took immense pride in being prepared, reveling in the opportunity to jump in puddles during his toddler years. However, his quirks extended beyond his footwear choices.
I distinctly recall a day when I opened his toy box only to find it nearly empty. It took me several days to discover that he had meticulously packed all his toys into various backpacks, which he insisted on carrying everywhere—even when he fell asleep on the floor with one strapped to his back. To this day, he shows a keen appreciation for a well-organized bag.
However, as he grew older and faced health challenges, his quirks evolved into something more complex. The charming habits he once displayed began to morph into compulsions that he felt compelled to fulfill. This transformation is characteristic of childhood OCD, where intrusive thoughts demand attention, leading to behaviors that can be both relieving and distressing.
His condition is compounded by a tic disorder, resulting in repetitive movements and sounds, ranging from eye blinks to throat clearing. During particularly overwhelming moments, he becomes anxious about others noticing his behaviors. While he embraces his uniqueness, he grapples with the desire to be accepted and fears being perceived negatively.
Recently, he has made significant strides in managing his condition. Thanks to regular sessions with a cognitive behavioral therapist and lifestyle adjustments, he has learned to better control his symptoms. This progress has created a positive feedback loop, making his quirks less intrusive and more manageable. Despite ongoing challenges, we celebrate the remarkable days where his strength and resilience shine through.
He possesses a depth of understanding that often exceeds that of his peers, contemplating topics like mortality and the world’s complexities at a young age. His emotional openness, coupled with his unfiltered honesty, makes him both endearing and relatable.
Last week, he began second grade, and on only the second day, he came downstairs wearing his shirt inside out and backward. This sparked a brief conversation:
Me: Oh, so you’re doing that? I didn’t realize it was a school trend, too.
Him: Yeah, I like it this way.
Me: You know people will ask questions, right?
Him: Maybe, but it will be fine.
Upon returning home, he had changed his shirt—still inside out but not backward. I inquired about the switch.
Me: Oh, you changed?
Him: I got tired of the questions. Everyone thought I was confused, but really, it was them.
He understands himself well; it’s others who struggle to keep pace with his individuality. He has embraced being the outlier, the one who disrupts the norm. His unique personality, enhanced by his quirks, makes him a captivating individual.
As for his socks, they have always been mismatched, a preference that began in infancy and continued into kindergarten when I tried to impose order during a chaotic time. Initially, he would unfold any matching pairs I created and deliberately choose two mismatched socks. Eventually, he began to select any two socks from the laundry without concern for color or style. Now, he has established criteria—at least one must be tall, preferably colorful or patterned, and white is strictly off-limits due to its dullness.
This habit has become so pronounced that other parents have approached me, expressing gratitude for easing their laundry burdens since their children now prefer mismatched socks too. I appreciate the acknowledgment, but it’s entirely his doing.
Curious about his sock choices, I asked him directly:
Me: So, what’s with the socks?
Him: They don’t match.
Me: I know that. But why?
Him: Because everything in life doesn’t need to be exactly perfect. It’s okay for things to be different. Because different is interesting and I want an interesting life. Plus, I can never find the matches anyway.
His wisdom brought tears to my eyes. I feel incredibly fortunate to have such a soul in my life, and I often ponder the reasons behind our connection.
Me: I’m so glad you chose me as your mom.
Him: I didn’t choose you. God sent me to you because He knew we’d be great together.
Indeed, it’s hard to argue with that sentiment.
In conclusion, embracing the differences in our children enriches our lives and fosters a unique perspective on the world. For those interested in the journey of parenthood or looking for fertility-related insights, consider exploring resources such as Healthline’s guide on IVF or check out this fertility booster for men that may provide helpful information.
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