Sunday, February 5, 2012

A Strange Vehicle and a Visit With Michael

We made the 400 mile trek to Los Angeles recently to watch grandson Michael while his parent got away for a long weekend.  On the trip home we saw an unusual vehicle up ahead.

What on Earth?
It looked more like a boat than a car.
Was it an amphibious vehicle?
It's hard to get good images on the freeway on a gray day.
The only way to get a shot of the front was in the rear view mirror.
When we got home I saw the word "Deco" and that looked like an "r" at the end.  I searched "Decoliner" (how did we get by before google?).
Not an amphibious vehicle but a hand built motorhome.  You can read about it here.  I guess those who watch Leno already know about this but I am not a fan of late night or any other TV.

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Our visit with Michael
 No pictures of Michael this trip, it's hard to take a picture of someone who is holding your hand.  We did have a nice visit.  He is so unique that it gives me a lot to think about.
Communication is what this visit brings to mind and the different kind of intelligence.  Michael is non-verbal and it is hard to know just how much language he understands, bath, eat, night night, this much I'm sure he knows.

There are ways to communicate other than with words.  He understands that the TV only works if an adult holds the remote.  If he wants to watch he brings someone the remote.  He knows that the crack in the side of a car is where the door opens so he will work his fingers into that crack indicating he wants to go for a drive.
I brought out a simple puzzle, just three flat shapes that must be placed in a similar indentation.  He did it a couple of times, indicating he knows how to do it.  Then he began to put the square in the triangle or stack the pieces, his way of saying "I did it, I don't want to do it again".  Just turning 12 he wants to be his own person.

 He may be asserting his independence but he is still very cooperative.  He knows his routine and helps as 
 much as he is able.  He pushes his arms and legs into clothes to help in dressing and pulls them out when it is time to undress.  He hands his leg braces and shoes in the proper order to whoever is putting them on.  He even hands toothbrush and tooth paste when it is time to get his teeth brushed even though he doesn't care for the process.  He has his limits, though, he loves his bath and goes limp when it is time to get out, no cooperation there.  Like very young children he is fascinated by the texture of food and wants to put his hand in the dish. 

See more of our world at Our World, Tuesday, hosted for us by Arija, Gattina, Lady Fi, Sylvia and Sandy.

25 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Such an interesting vehicle!! But for what, I wonder???? And I, too, wonder how we ever got along without Google!! I know the visits with Michael have to be difficult in many ways, but what a great way to give his parents a break and be able to give him lots of love. My heart aches for all of you because it can't be easy. Much love to you and your family.

Sylvia

Nellie from Beyond My Garden said...

Wow! I had to go read about that vehicle. What fun to come upon something like that when driving around. Surprising finds are the best.
nellie

Anonymous said...

I have seen the picture of Michael that you have posted on your blog. I believe this is the first time I have read about him. How difficult, but rewarding too, I am certain, to have a special child in the family. I am going to read about that interesting vehicle as soon as I finish writing this comment!

Gaelyn said...

That is one weird looking RV.

I am so touched reading about Michael.

biebkriebels said...

Wow what a special vehicle indeed, amazing!

Linda Reeder said...

I think that vehicles purpose was pretty obvious. It got your attention!
Reading as you tell about Michael is a touching experience.

Barb said...

Michael is 12! I like that he doesn't want to get out of the bath (though I can't imagine lifting his limp body). I think of him snuggling with you, Martha - holding your hand. That closeness with him is better than photos. I know his parents must appreciate when you and Jules come to stay with him.

Diane AZ said...

Yes, I imagine it is hard to take a picture of someone who is holding your hand! It is good to read about your visit with Michael and learn how he's doing and about his unique ways of communicating.

That Decoliner is cool! I like the design and colors.

Unknown said...

Interesting!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Carver said...

That's a wild looking vehicle and a new one for me. That's great you were able to spend time with your grandchild and give his parents a chance to get some time alone.

Anonymous said...

Everything rare looks for an alike.


Please have you all a kind Tuesday.


daily athens photo

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

That vehicle is one of the most remarkable things I've ever seen. Many of the geocachers and trail runners I've met have custom built vehicles but nothing that even comes close to the one you found.

Your description of your visit with Michael brought tears to my eyes. You and he are blessed to have each other. You are such a blessing to his parents who appreciated the break from parental duties.

Katney said...

So glad you had a visit with Michael. Your description makes me miss our Miss Kate. She recently lost a tooth--normal for any seven year old, but the first one that she didn't swallow.

Kay L. Davies said...

Crazy-looking vehicle. I think it's true it was built to get attention, and it worked!
Michael, meanwhile, seems to be getting much positive attention from his extended family. It breaks my heart to imagine how life must be for non-verbal children who have no such support system. Yes, you are blessed to have him, and he you. The learning curve works both ways.
K

☆Mama Ko☆ said...

i truly enjoyed looking at this weird vehicle hehehe. i want to have one of that

Our World Tuesday | New York City

Anonymous said...

person wanted a boat clearly but lacked the water and was forced to compromise. I love creativity and can do.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Amazing vehicle. And glad you had a good visit with Michael.

Leovi said...

Beautiful pictures, beautiful and fun car. Greetings and good weekend.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I am forwarding the link to Bill who, I am sure, would thank you for sharing the glimpse of this ??? whatever it is. (I'm unqualified to comment, but it's the kind of thing he'd be interested in.)

I am glad you had a good weekend with Michael. Grandparent time is precious, no matter what flavor it comes in.

Janie said...

I've never seen a vehicle like that. Very weird.
I'm glad you had an enjoyable long weekend with your grandson.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

looks like walking up to catch a plane.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a site to see. I might have driven off the road looking at that!
You and Michael bring good things to each other. So nice you can go down for a visit.

Haddock said...

But you did manage to get some wonderful shots of the vehicle.
Interesting.

Judy said...

That vehicle is so interesting! It does look amphibious - maybe the deck at the top is just an observation post/balcony...

ArtandArchitecture-SF.com said...

The first photo made me sit up straight and go WHAT? Great capture.

Wonderful update about Michael.