Music Lesson 101

 

 

Today I took a big step out of my comfort zone.

I had heard about a music class that was in my local area and the moment I heard about it I knew I wanted in. But how? Its on a morning that my children are wrecked, im wrecked and to be totally honest.. I enjoy my one day a week I stay in my pj's as long as I care to. Could I be bothered?

But today I really thought long and hard about going. You see my little mister is a rock star. He struggles with being able to do a lot of activities kids do easily.. but not music. NEVER music. Ever since he was a toddler he had impeccable timing, he could clap along to any beat (something my father in law struggles to do at 60!) and always get it right. He adores music and songs always bring a massive smile to his face. They have helped him to learn and form words. He struggles to get a sentence out but sing.. he does wonderfully.

I knew it would mean the world to him, so I packed us all up.. dragged us into the freezing cold and you know what - it was the best thing I have done in a long time.

We introduced ourselves to the very small group of mums with kids. After that we met the teacher.. who was warm and friendly. I spent a little time explaining to her about Jackson and she was pleased to let me know that her class was very routine so he'd fit right in (she obviously knew a tiny bit about autism).

So we sat down and not even a minute later all eyes were on him. Big infectious grin, clapping along and giggling. He fit right in. Through the lesson he giggled, he smiled, he played musical instruments and he made each and every mum fall in love with him.

Three quarters of the way through he seemed to get a little overwhelmed and hid in a little cubby house that was situated at the back of the class. Another child followed, as did the mother. The mother pursuaded her child out and asked jackson to come along too. He didnt. I explained to the mum about jackson and that he just needs a little time out because he's overwhelmed. She looked at me, thought about it for a second and said

'I would have never thought he has a form of autism - he seems too happy and bubbly'

I was at a loss for words, but Jackson promptly got back up and joined the group. Merrily enjoying the rest of the class. The other mums continued to glow, looking at him and that great big infectious grin. He laughed, they laughed, he laughed harder and so on.

At one point they lay down and the teacher blew bubbles over the children to calm them before singing a soft sleeping song. Jackson got up, lay on the teachers lap and snuggled in. It was such a beautiful moment between 2 strangers.

Today I thought I was going to the music class to help Jackson.. but it got me thinking... Maybe at the end of the day it helped me. I was a little nervous about all the 'what ifs'.. what if he runs around the room and wont participate, what if he gets too hyped up and cant come down, what if he has a seizure, what if the other mums look at us funny etc etc.

But at the end of the day, those mums got to experience the precious little boy that I call 'mine'. They only saw all the wonderful beautiful positive things that he is so blessed with.

And that made my heart happy. Because its been so sad.

Thank you - my precious little rock star :)