Dirt Boy

I've never been a super outdoorsy type a girl. But recently, I've been giving it a shot. Why you ask, she who loves heels, skirts, cafes, books, etc.? Because I think it's really, really good for Henry.

I just read a beautiful book about a boy with autism whose father seeks healing on the backs of horses in Mongolia. Horse Boy is a must read for anyone who is or wants to understand what it's like to be a parent of a nontypical child. Seriously. Go read it. Really.

But it also really inspired me to get outside with Henry. He has always been somewhat calmed down with a soft breeze or by listening to birds, watching bugs or collecting rocks. It's odd, because indoors, the physical sensation of having dirt or water on him normally sends him into a tailspin. But not outdoorsy dirt. (see above photo for proof). I don't get it-but it works.

While hiking the other day, he was confident, energetic, adventurous. He was everything he is without the fear and worry of his senses misfiring. He embraced the world out in it's true nature. The real world was his for the taking.

We just recently moved to a new town, with a new house, new friends, a new job, and now, a new (and his first ever) preschool/daycare situation. I am, admittedly, freaking out about it. But maybe Dirt Boy is also Preschool Boy. I'm not going to be the one to decide for him.

Stay tuned.