Evolution of a Boy

I haven't taken enough time lately to share the remarkable growth of Spencer, both physically, mentally, and spiritually. It wasn't long ago that I would have used the word 'squirrelly' to describe Spencer much of the time. Because he was. There was no other way to describe it. He was a bundle of energy and excitement that could barely be contained. He had the hardest times really recognizing boundaries in his interpersonal relationships. I don't necessarily mean that in a horribly bad way. He was a good kid ... just squirrelly. 

But lately Spencer has undergone a remarkable transformation, and it has been wonderful to behold. He has replaced squirrelly Spencer with a young man who is a bit more introspective about things. He is developing a good understanding of who he is and what he wants to do with his life. He now towers over me and also over Herman at more than 6 feet tall. He has developed into a pretty good soccer player and an even better student. But more importantly, I have noticed a deep compassion in him that is surprising in many ways. I really noticed this on Thanksgiving Day this year. It was heartwarming.

Spencer has been coming over to my parents' house to hang out with Ryan quite a bit since they moved to our area. He stays there and gives my parents some respite so that they can go out shopping or to run errands. Ryan loves the chance to hang out with someone besides my parents. It all works out lovely. On Thanksgiving my parents had a car accident on the way home from Kansas City. You can read about it HERE. Ryan had stayed here in the area, thank goodness, so he wasn't in the car. While Herman and I ran up to the site of the accident we called Spencer to come and hang out with Ryan. After all was taken care of there at the accident Herman took my dad to the ER to get his hand examined. Spencer and I stayed at their house with my mom and Ryan since they couldn't be there alone. My mom went straight to bed, but Ryan stayed up to watch some football with us for awhile. Spencer took charge of Ryan's care the entire time. He did a great job talking with Ryan all night. Then, when Ryan said that he was ready to go to bed Spencer got him ready all by himself. It is a bit of a process to get Ryan ready for bed since his cerebral palsy leaves his muscles so rigid at times. That makes dressing and undressing a little tricky. Spencer had never done it before, and I was a little worried that it would freak him out a little bit. But he did AMAZING. Ryan would tell him what needed to be done, and Spencer would do it without question or complaint. Spencer is a bit of a germaphobe, so I thought that getting so up close and personal with Ryan would really bother him, but he did wonderfully.

Sitting there and watching Spencer I was so impressed with the growth I have seen in him. He is becoming a solid young man with a strong and compassionate nature. I can't wait to see what is in store for him. He is an interesting cross between Herman and my brother, Joe. It'll be crazy to see what that looks like in a grown man, but so far I think it'll work out just great. Watch out world!