He senses things that most of us don't perceive: sunshine from a nearby window in the shape of a triangle, the melody of one song in another seemingly different one, the many instruments played in a complex song. He experiences this world acutely and, when there is beauty for him to witness, he basks in it unflinchingly. His face lights up with immense pleasure, filling those near him with pleasure. He is beautiful to me.
His senses that perceive such beauty also disarm him, sending him fleeing from sounds too penetrating, throwing his hands to his ears trying to protect himself from sounds which are unpleasant to him and him alone. Seemingly harmless sounds like a doorbell, our dog barking, the oven timer assault his senses and there is no way to fully protect him from this. We can only help him adjust.
I can't help but wonder what life must be like for him, to be tuned into the world at such a level that he practically drinks it all in in large gulps, gagging when it is just too much. We try to shield him so that our house is peaceful for him but the doorbell still rings, the dog still barks but we at least don't use timers much anymore without at least warning him that one is on so he's better prepared. We won't always be here to soften the blows that this blaring world may strike upon him. We can only hope to teach him how to cope with those things he doesn't like and to continue to bask in the beauty he loves.
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