"Tell me 'gain" is Kevin's favorite sentence. He says it after any affectionate sentence or any comment with his nickname of O'Connor-boy. Here are a few examples:
"Kevin, you make me proud."
"Tell me 'gain."
"How are you O'Connor-boy?"
"Tell me 'gain."
I gave Kevin a book for Christmas last year that enables recording, so he can hear my voice as he turns each page. But rather than read the story, I inserted catch phrases that I knew would make him happy. On page two, I recorded, "This mama bear loves her baby and I love my O'Connor-boy." After listening to page two, he always says "Tell me 'gain." He will always ask in multiples, so a typical conversation is:
"I love you Kevin."
"Tell me 'gain."
"I love you Kevin."
"Tell me 'gain."
"I love you Kevin."
"Tell me 'gain."
"I love you Kevin."
I need to re-record the book so I pause to give Kevin time for his response and then I will repeat the phrase twice more. He usually says it three times, unless he is especially happy and then he may go for four or five rounds.
Recently I met Kevin at his doctor's appointment and the staff person from Kevin's group home told me that Family Feud is his new favorite TV program. And that every time the host says, "Survey says!" Kevin responds ,"Tell me 'gain."
Who among us does not want have the impulse to ask for another dose of praise, a repeat of those precious words? Kevin has the wisdom to give voice to the impulse.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteWords like "I love you" can never be said or heard enough.
ReplyDelete