So Very Special

“Do you have any questions?” the secretary asked.

“Um, yes.  I would like to talk about clouds right now.” Declan answered.

The secretary took a step back and looked surprised.  A conversation about clouds would really be off topic.  “Clouds?”

“Yes.  There are four different types of clouds.”

“Oh yeah, I think I remember learning about clouds when I was in school.  I forget the kinds though.  Do you know the kinds of clouds?”

“Yes,” Declan lifted his hand and with each finger he labeled a cloud, “They are cirrus, nimbus, stratus and cumulus.”

“That’s right!”  The secretary nodded in wide eyed approval, “Thanks for reminding me!” the secretary then turned to me.  “Mom, do you have any questions?”

“No, thank you.  Let’s go, Declan.” I smiled and we left.

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“We also have a science group that does a lot of different activities,” the camp counselor said and pointed to the area to our left.  “Over here this past week we had a game involving all of the different planets.

“I like planets,” Declan replied as he swayed back and forth, “I like dwarf planets too.”

“Dwarf planets?”

“Yes.”

“How many dwarf planets are there?”

“Five.”

“Do you know their names.”

“Yes, they are Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake and Eris.  And then there is Orcus.  But it is not technically an official dwarf planet yet.  Which, by the way, reminds me I like to talk about Orcas, also known as Killer Whales, too.”

The counselor looked at Declan and shook his head in wonder, “Where were you through all my science classes when I was in school.”

Declan continued to sway and looked to the sky in confusion, probably wondering how to answer the question.

“My husband and I were so shocked when he started telling us these facts.  Now if we want to know something, we just ask Declan.  He seems to know.”

The counselor nodded his head, “I would too!”

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“Today, on his way back from OT we stopped and talked with the principal.  Declan told her all the 45 presidents in order.  She was so surprised he knew them all!”

Declan’s teacher turned from me, bent down and faced Declan.

“Declan, you have such a unique and special mind.  I can’t do that.  I can’t remember the Presidents.  My mind isn’t built like that.  We are all so different.  Your brain is so special.  You are so special.  Do you understand?”

Declan looked to the ground and nodded. “Okay,” he replied.

Declan’s teacher gave him a high five and stood.  “Everyday he teaches me something new.  I’ve learned so much from him this year.”

I smiled and nodded, “Me too.”

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Like Declan’s teacher said, I learn something new from Declan every day.  Today’s subject?  Snakes.  Specifically, the venom in the Black Mamba and the Inland Taipan (although I was told not to worry – I probably would never see the Inland Taipan – It’s shy.  What Declan doesn’t realize, when it comes to snakes – I’m shyer).

But it was the other thing Declan’s teacher said that really stood out for me.  Every time I hear Declan spout a new fact, a new piece of information or the answer to a question I never thought to ask, I hear her in my head.

“Declan, you have such a unique, special mind.”

I can’t remember the details he does either.  My brain wasn’t built like that.

Declan’s brain was built like that.  Which makes not only his brain, but himself, a very special, unique person!