Sentence Structure

I have said before that I appreciate every word that David utters because for quite a time I was not sure I would ever hear his voice. I am certainly not going to backpedal from that remark; it is still and will always be true.

I must admit, however, that there are certain combinations of words that I do find troubling. I take great delight in hearing David string words together to make longer and longer sentences, but sometimes words in a certain sequence, while eloquently spoken, can make my heart skip a beat.

For example, Michael and I were preparing for a rare night out when I realized that it was strangely quiet in our house. I hastily finished putting on my makeup, grabbed my shoes and started down the stairs looking for David. When I did not immediately find him in the family room, I called his name with that questioning tone that mothers have that, all at once says, "Child, where are you and what are you doing because if you are up to something you better have it cleaned up / finished / hidden / repaired by the time I find you or there is going to be trouble."

Incidentally, in spite of his autism, David does understand this tone and his answer was as immediate as it was gleeful, "I making the coffee!"

A four word sentence is a big accomplishment for David and, taken individually, the words are certainly benign enough, but in combination….