The Monster at the End of This Book

Bedtime tonight including a wonderful reading by Lily from the kids book The Monster at the End of This Book.  Zach has always loved this book since he was tiny. And when Lily discovered a love for this book, Zach loved it even more. Tonight, Lily asked if she could read at bedtime. She walked over to her book shelf and found this book immediately.  She quickly positioned herself on the floor next to Zach. 

"Zach, I am going to read you a book. And you are gonna love it." Zach drew his very long legs up in front of himself and settled in for the reading. He helped turn the pages and smiled and laughed. 

The moment Lily finished reading,  Zach shouts, "Lily,  thank you! "

I sat in awe across the room just watching my two amazing kids. This pure, real, unorchestrated moment brought tears to my eyes. Lily often just wants attention from her big brother. She wants him to be interested in the things she likes, she wants to have a conversation and enjoy his company. When you have a sibling with Autism,  the challenges are overwhelming. And for sweet , kind, empathetic Lily, the challenges have begun to burden her heart. 

I have reminded Lily that what she wants and what really happens when she interacts with Zach,  will often be two very different things. But I also remind her that Zach may not be able to participate in every activity, but we need to compromise and meet him where he is at. Rather than expecting him to be comfortable entering our world or surroundings, we need to adjust our expectations and enter his world. And tonight, that is exactly what happened. 

Lily sought out a children's book that she knows Zach likes, chose to sit next to him on the floor, and met his excitement and energy level. She met him where he was at and they were able to discover the monster at the end of the book together.