I’m sure that many of you reading this have never met Emmett. However, if you ever do, don’t be surprised if he walks up to you and immediately grabs you by the hand (or by one finger, which he often does). Emmett has no stranger anxiety whatsoever! He loves people and I can honestly say that most people who meet him, love him too.
Of course, I would never turn him loose in a room full of strangers, but I do try to let him choose who he approaches, within reason.
Every week at church, Emmett loves to look out the glass doors and wait for people to come in. He has become the unofficial greeter. One advantage of a small church is that almost everyone knows him and they fully anticipate him to walk up and grab them by the hand. Even when we have visitors at church, he is completely comfortable walking over to them. He will sometimes even sit next to them or back up to them, to show them that he wants to sit on their lap. Thankfully, most people are very accepting of him and welcome the extra attention.
If we are around someone new, I always explain that he doesn’t talk, but that he loves people and I apologize if he seems to be invading their personal space. Something about Emmett must just soften people’s hearts because I can only think of a few times that he seemed to make someone uncomfortable.
He has even started making friends out in the community. This summer, his therapist took him to the park and one little boy was very interested in why Emmett wasn't talking and was carrying around a book with pictures in it. The boy's nanny explained to him that some people speak in different languages and that Emmett "speaks" by using pictures. It wasn't long before a new friendship was formed. Emmett would show his new friend where he wanted to go on the playground, using his pictures, and they would both go where Emmett requested. They were able to meet up several times over the summer and had a great time together.
He has even started making friends out in the community. This summer, his therapist took him to the park and one little boy was very interested in why Emmett wasn't talking and was carrying around a book with pictures in it. The boy's nanny explained to him that some people speak in different languages and that Emmett "speaks" by using pictures. It wasn't long before a new friendship was formed. Emmett would show his new friend where he wanted to go on the playground, using his pictures, and they would both go where Emmett requested. They were able to meet up several times over the summer and had a great time together.
Although I like to let Emmett meet people, there are some situations where I definitely keep him within arms reach. I never turn him loose in a doctor’s office because of all of the germs. I also give him limited freedom in restaurants because he loves food and wouldn’t hesitate to grab something off of a stranger’s plate. His brother has learned that the hard way. Emmett has been known to steal marshmallows right out of his brother’s hot chocolate!
As much as I love how much Emmett loves people, I know that as he gets older, he will have to be taught more about personal space. Not only because of social boundaries, but also for his own safety. He is so trusting and would literally walk away with anyone willing to take him. This love for people is actually very common with most people diagnosed with Xia-Gibbs Syndrome, which is both wonderful and scary at the same time.
In some ways, I wish we could all be a little more like Emmett. He doesn’t make a snap judgement based on someone’s appearance and he loves unconditionally. Even without saying a single word, he makes friends everywhere he goes. I’m not sure what Emmett’s future holds, but I do know that wherever he goes, he will definitely make new friends.
No words, just love.
Emmett was a little confused, when this knight statue wouldn't hold his hand.
Waiting to greet everyone at church.
Sharing the love with some of his friends at church.
Trying to decide what he wants to do at the park.
