Without a Word

Teddy is non-verbal, meaning he doesn't talk yet. He might, someday, be able to communicate with some spoken words. For now his primary means of communication is gestures and clapping. Clapping is Teddy's way of saying "I want." When that's combined with pointing, it's amazing how that's a complete sentence that paints a pretty clear picture of what Teddy wants.

Of course, knowing Teddy helps in understanding what he wants. If you're not complying with his suggestions or requests, then he'll take your hand or physically direct your body where he wants you to go.

Last week we did a different run with my TEAM Triumph and a local running group combined to introduce others in the running group to the amazing organization that is MTT. There was a park nearby, and Teddy managed to convince one of the angels who's in high school to go play at the park with him before the run.

This photo was from spring, not when it's nearly 90 degrees. Andy is on the far right. 

After the run, Teddy wanted to make a beeline to the park to play again. I told him that he could, but he kept looking at me and clapping. I told him he could go by himself because I could see him and sprint if needed. But he came back toward me, so I put my hand out to go with him. He went right past me to another angel named Andy, clapping and pointing to the playground.

Andy was an incredible sport, going to the playground to play with Teddy. That meant going down different slides and climbing different things. Andy drew the line, though, when Teddy wanted him to go down the tunnel slide because Andy was afraid he'd get stuck and have to explain that to the fire department.

So they continued playing, and Teddy kept asking Andy to go down the tunnel slide. Eventually Teddy convinced Andy, not once, but twice, to go down the tunnel slide.

It's amazing what Teddy can communicate without saying a word. He was able to convince someone to change their mind without a single word. That's pretty incredible.

And, honestly, so is Andy for being such a great sport!

#runlikeangels #mttambassador