Sunday, February 26, 2017

In Thy Light

 
On Monday, Alex had a dentist appointment to fill a small cavity between his two front teeth and to replace a small old filling in a back tooth. Even though the dentist had assured us that there was no hurry to fix these teeth, we didn’t want to wait and risk having the problem teeth get any worse. Besides, after two very successful times of having our family dentist fill cavities for Alex, we felt fairly confident that he would handle the situation well, and we knew that the dentist and his staff would handle Alex very well.

When the dental assistant summoned us back to the room, I realized that she had not worked on Alex before. Invoking my usual introduction to explain and reassure, I told her, “This is Alex. He has autism, but he’s usually very cooperative. We’ll be glad to help in any way we can.” With that I said a prayer that the procedure would go smoothly and hoped that he would live up to the build-up I had given him.

Thankfully, Alex came through the numbing, drilling, and filling like a trouper. Not only did he cooperate, but he also showed good social skills by answering their questions and using his manners. Moreover, he was totally relaxed, all six feet of him stretching the entire length of the dentist’s chair. Because they have always treated him with gentle kindness, he trusted them and had no fears. As our dentist patted Alex on the shoulder and told him what a good job he had done, we couldn’t help but feel pride in our son. When we thanked the dental assistant, she enthusiastically praised Alex, and he rewarded her with a big smile, showing the beautiful work she had done on his front teeth.

Although I’m probably biased as Alex’s mom, when he smiles, a light radiates from him that brings forth joy. However, I must not be the only one who sees that in him because other people have commented on what a great smile he has: his support team, people who wait on him in restaurants, family, friends, and others who have been treated to a smile from Alex. Alex’s smile is so infectious, when he grins broadly and shows his dimple, his behavioral therapist often giggles, delighted to share in his happiness. Seeing Alex smile is a treat, and we can’t help but smile with him.

Yesterday, we took Alex to the last home game of the season for the Valparaiso University women’s basketball team. Even though the team has won just nine games and lost twenty, sometimes losing by double-digit figures, Alex has remained a steadfast fan, only missing one home game. In fact, he plans his entire week looking forward to going to the games, repeatedly checking the basketball schedule and the calendar to make sure nothing will interfere with cheering on his team.

Unlike the men’s basketball games, which he also enjoys attending, the women’s games are subdued with few fans in attendance and a nearly empty student section. At times, the gym is remarkably quiet, more like a library than an athletic facility. Nonetheless, Alex settles into his seat on the bleachers, armed with two orange Gatorades and a small bag of Fritos, ready to follow two hours of basketball. No matter what the score is, Alex smiles through it all, just happy to be in a place that brings him joy. The team may be defeated, but Alex never is, ever hopeful that they will win the next game. Win or lose, he proclaims every game that he liked it “one hundred percent.”

In the last home game, Alex’s beloved Crusaders basketball team enjoyed victory in a game that was never close, winning 72 to 63. Although the players probably never noticed a young man sitting with his parents in the bleachers behind the team bench and always wearing a Valparaiso University sweatshirt, he has been their biggest fan who believed that they could win. As they scored each point, his face lit up with joy, revealed by his big smile and twinkling eyes. After a rather dismal home season, the team rewarded that ever-hopeful fan with a resounding victory, and he was delighted, standing and reading the words to the Valparaiso University fight song as the pep band played at the end of the game.

The motto of Valparaiso University focuses upon light, symbolized by a torch present in the school logo. The motto, “In luce tua videmus lucem,” or “In Thy light we see light” reflects the religious foundation of the university, focusing on the light of God that enlightens us. As the son of a Valparaiso University graduate and a Valparaiso University professor, Alex has grown up seeing that phrase in various places he has visited on campus over the years. Yet, I would venture that few people sense “Thy light” as keenly as Alex does in his abundant faith. Moreover, Alex seems to reflect that light, finding joy in unexpected places, even the dentist’s chair and the bleachers at a basketball game. How blessed we are that God shines his light through Alex, reminding us of His presence in our everyday lives and His promises for eternal life!

“Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right.” Psalm 97:11

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is so beautiful. Dentistry appointments are hard for most people and especially for some autistic people. I am so glad he handled it well. I would never be able to sit throgh a basketball game. It's cool that Alex does.

Pam Byrne said...

Thanks so much for your kind comments! We are fortunate that Alex usually handles situations well that could cause sensory overload; he seems to have learned some good coping skills over the years that help him deal with noise. Hope you are doing well!

Take care,
Pam