Back in the beginning, there seemed no end
of concepts Bill would fail to comprehend.
Simple commands, like “Drink your milk” or “No,”
stayed confusing for Bill, for years and though
he tried his best, repetition and care
didn’t always serve to get him anywhere.
Bill comprehends so much more now,
though concepts are hard, like “why” or “how”.
For a long time, even with Bill near,
you could mention him, but he wouldn’t hear.
Not anymore. I report with much joy:
If you want to talk in front of our boy,
don’t mention his name, because now he knows.
He listens, and keeps us on our toes!
Would you like “more food”?
Do you want ice cream?
“A certain person” now knows what these mean.
Bill can choose what he wants to wear today,
Can answer if he wants to go, or stay;
Can choose if he wants an apple or peach.
A few years back, this seemed out of reach.
He follows instructions – this blows my mind –
this boy who wandered, was so hard to find,
has learned he can’t just cut loose and roam.
After an errand, he knows to come home.
Which leads us to what his parents now know:
That progress is sweet, no matter how slow.
-By the wonderful India DeCarmine