Once a week, Rylie rides at a local barn dedicated to serving children and adults with special needs. We’ve been on a break since summer because they’ve been swinging hammers and putting up new walls. Oh, how we have missed our horses!
Thursday, we returned… but on a new night at a new time with familiar but new volunteers. As L came to grab Ry and take her down to the mounting block, I took a moment ramble on and on… and on… about some new things Ry’s been working on.
Hi, L! Super excited to be back. Hey- Ry and her SLP have been working on a new word… a word she can say when she wants to say something nice but can’t think of how to respond or doesn’t have the words to respond (you know, she gets stuck… and this give her a chance to participate more than she can now). But, you’ll prolly have to remind her at first. We’re still working on it. What’s your word, Rylie-O?
I turned to Ry, prompting her.
Nothing.
Right. So, the word is NEAT. So, if you guys are walking tonight and you are telling stories, maybe use the word NEAT, you know? Back and forth… so you can practice having a conversation and taking turns. Maybe when she’s posting or makes a basket in the little hoop out there. You know? Great. How was your Christmas?
Um, it was great, thanks! You know, actually, I’m just in the barn… not in the ring. I’m just walking Ry down tonight.
Right. So all that stuff I said before? Completely unnecessary for you to know. Too much information.
Well, sort of, yeah.
We stared at each other for an awkward second… until the silence was broken by a 6-year old’s voice from beside me:
Neat.
Say what you will about her voice; that child has impeccable timing.
Apple pie, anyone? 