Dave

Some people see a glass filled to the mid line and say it's half empty.  Some people look and call it half full.  Then there are people like Dave who grab the closest pitcher and do their best to make it overflow.

I have known Dave since Junior high when everyone thought he was kind of dorky.  I remember that some matchmaking service did a Valentine's thing where we all filled out questionnaires and then they told us who our matches were.  Just because someone was one of the best three matches for you, didn't mean you made their list.  Somebody else could have been a better match.  I do remember that Dave was one of my top three.  It was because we both put family as a high priority.  Isn't it weird what you remember?

By high school, Dave was a hot commodity.  We were all a little sorry we had ignored him in junior high.  I personally was sorry I hadn't saved the results from the matchmaking quiz!  He sat next to me in Gausman's History class.  I remember his cologne smelled so good, I failed many a quiz thanks to him!  Dave was known for drumming in a band.  Not THE band, like marching.  A band, the kind that is so way cool you can hardly stand it when your age ends with "teen."  Dave was also very artistic.  Ripped jeans were all the rage back then.  He took my favorite pair and painted them with a giant Mickey Mouse and other various creatures from his imagination.  He was always doing things like that for anybody who asked.  Band.  Artist.  Can you guess he was no longer a dork?  'Nough said about that.  Bad hair, bad clothes, bad behavior.  I know I try not to acknowledge much of my time between 18 and 22.  That was my "learn from your mistakes period."

Today, Dave is a toy maker, husband, and father.  Not necessarily in that order.  He is all about fun and being positive.  Even in his "non-dork" years he was never a cruel bully.  Always a sweetheart.  His wife is a doll.  His girls are cuties.  It's amazing how much focus kids can give you.  How much being a parent can push a person to be the best version of themselves.  Got to see it first hand today, which is always fun.  On top of that, I was asked to talk speechie stuff.  I love that. 

I was invited over to have what little is left of my brain picked about possible info for apps of an educational nature.  I have a lot to say about that.  I have printed, laminated, cut out and velcroed enough that I am seriously considering a major investment in office depot.  Loved getting the opportunity to share what I know about language development, data collection, and engaging all kinds of learners.  That was good.  Sam was invited to join me, that made it even better. 

HOLY COW!!!!  Dave's office and basement are like kid heaven.  I don't just mean those under the age of 18.  I mean the kid that lives in all of us.  If I hadn't had to get Sam back for a haircut, I could have spent two hours just looking at the vintage and collectors addition toys everywhere.  You know what, Star Wars really is cool.  There was pinball, Foosball, and an electronic Plinko, which Sam was allowed to play.  Dave turned on his grandfather's electric train for Sam, another big hit.  He has a disco ball for goodness sakes.  Do you know any child with autism who isn't crazy about colored lights bouncing off a disco ball?  But the absolute best thing of all, was that Dave let Sam play on his acoustic drum set.  (I think that's what he called it.)   It was such a hugely satisfying morning for Sam, that he was absolutely angelic at mass.  Passed out by 9:00. 

Dave, thanks for picking my brain and entertaining my kid to the point of exhausted good behavior.  And thank you for introducing me to your beautiful family.  Sam and I enjoyed it immensely.