Wonder

I have just returned from Sebbie's room, where much to the kids' delight, we read until 9.15pm in order to finish WONDER, by Rj Palacio.

That I didn't put the kids to bed EARLY is the real wonder.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is meant to be a children's book but it is a book for everyone. It tells the story of August Pullman, a 10 year old who has had 23 facial reconstructive surgeries. I imagine he looks like the little boy in Mask. HIs favourite day is Halloween, when everyone can cover up their faces.

August is going to school for the first time. The book takes you through Auggies academic year, from his perspective, and that of his friends and relatives. His sister writes, "If our family is the solar system, Auggie is the sun. We revolve around him and his health". A friend of the sister writes, "My mother is one of those people who has sunny smiles for everyone around her, but not many smiles left over for me".

So many truths in this book, which focuses around the premise written on the board by the English Teacher, "Be Kinder than necessary".

It is my hope that in reading WONDER, my kids will see the next disabled child they encounter as a potential Auggie. A kid like them underneath it all. I am grateful this book has been written.

At one point in the book I started crying. Carys, who was next to me on a bean bag noticed and told the other kids. Like a flash Seb jumped down to comfort me with a hug.

In a way, we have had flashes of wonder all day long.

Today, Jasper was at a rugby tournament and Seb was at youth group event. It was just the girls and I and I decided the time had come to show them where the different feminine products were kept, so they would know. I am very much hoping that there is no need for these items in our home just yet, thank you, but in June there is the mother and daughter talk with Nurse Ann, and I dont' want any surprises for them at that point. Better introduce them to the paraphanelia now so when it happens, it is no big deal. So I showed them and then the girls said they were glad. Even Carys, who normally giggles when I discuss the topic said it was good to know. And then we went to their room to move a few things around.

Then the Pheasants came by for dinner. Now when I say dinner I hope you know that I ordered pizza and ribs and wings. Hello? It's Sunday? I was supervising homework!

The Pheasants came by and it was a good dinner. Then we watched the incredible video Chad has made of our trip to Beijng and Harbin. It is amazing. Jasper was sitting next to me and Sebbie was sitting on my other side. And at one point, both boys were either leaning into me (Jay) or holding my hand (Seb). This is a wonder, a blessing for which I am grateful. I looked across at Chad, who had his arm thrown around Adam and Ella on his lap. How lucky we all are.

And then, it was time to go and Sela of course cleared up without me asking. Seb took a shower and shampooed his hair without being reminded, and then we sat around, until I asked if I should read. It was just a very nice day. That I can say this, when I currently have no husband, is a wonder in itself. But I very much enjoyed my tiny people today.

To finish with a quote from one of the greats, Eric Clapton, here is a song I used to sing the wee three when they were in the NICU, Wonderful Tonight.

And the wonder of it allis that you just dont realise
how much
I love you

 

 

Comments

[Maureen Lyons]

And, of course, I am in tears reading this!

At your recommendation, honey, I will definitely read this book. Thank you for telling us about it.

Love to you and your tiny people,
M xox

[Elaine]

Wonderful post, Tess! I must say that it's hard to believe that the girls are old enough for that talk though! Where has the time gone?

[Linda]

Hi Tess

glad to see you blogging again. We met many years ago when you bought one of my highchairs for the triplets. Lovely to see them doing so well.

We moved back to Australia (Canberra)3 years ago but still miss HK. It has taken a long time to settle in...

Wonder is a big favourite in this household too. Last May I started a blog, styled as a book club aimed at the reading interests of 10 to 13 year olds - have a look, particularly at the recommended book lists, for lots of book information. readingforaustralia.blogspot.com.au

Linda

[Zoey]

wow, awesome blog post.Much thanks again. Cool.