When Mike and I started dating Rocky was only 3. She didn't talk at all and couldn't walk yet. I had never been around disabled people much and Rocky has taught me quite a lot. It has been amazing to watch her grow and I can't believe she is 17 now. She has been a huge help this week while I pack by playing with Ethan.Ethan and Rocky are playing so well right now. Ethan calls her Rock or Rockawido (trying to say Rockalito). They are best friends and wander around the house playing all sorts of things for hours. Rocky helps Ethan use his imagination to play. They put on hats and right now Ethan is Bob The Builder. I was asking if Rocky was Wendy, Bob’s trusty sidekick. Ethan replied, “I’m not a side cake. I’m Ethan.”
I wish I could freeze their friendship for a while. But I know that Ethan will keep growing up and Rocky will pretty much stay the same. Rocky is an interesting combination of a 3 year old and maybe and 8 year old. She likes a lot of the same things as Ethan but is able to think about other people in a way that older children do. It’s a great combination for Ethan’s 2 almost 3 age and imagination. She stretches him in play and he loves it. I’m so thankful that he’s growing up knowing and loving a handicapped person. I hope it helps shape how he sees others with handicaps.
