Quirky might be the best word to describe my son, Max. From the age of one, he developed a peculiar attachment to fluffy snow boots, wearing them continuously through 2009—even in summer and paired with shorts, sans socks. This resulted in some of the most odorous baby feet I have ever encountered, a smell that still lingers in my memory.
He eventually transitioned to wearing fireman rain boots gifted by a neighbor, taking pride in his readiness for rain. This led to countless puddle-jumping adventures during his early toddler years. However, his quirks extended beyond just footwear. One day, I discovered that his toy box was nearly empty. It took me days to realize he had packed his toys into various backpacks, which he would carry around, even falling asleep with them still strapped to his back.
As time passed, his quirks became more pronounced, especially as he faced health challenges. What once seemed like innocent oddities morphed into compulsions that he felt compelled to address. When children exhibit such behaviors, it often aligns with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They experience persistent thoughts that push them to engage in certain behaviors, creating a complex inner turmoil that can be distressing. In Max’s case, he also deals with a tic disorder, leading to repetitive movements and sounds, heightening his anxiety about being noticed by others.
Recently, Max has made strides in managing his condition. Thanks to his weekly sessions with a cognitive behavioral therapist, he has learned to navigate his symptoms more effectively. While there are still challenging days, we also experience remarkable moments that showcase his growth. He has developed a perspective that many of his peers may not possess, often contemplating topics like mortality, the state of the world, and displaying an openness to affection that is both refreshing and genuine.
On his second day of second grade, he came downstairs wearing his shirt inside out and backwards, prompting an amusing conversation about his fashion choice. When I expressed concern about how others might react, he shrugged it off, stating, “Maybe, but I think it will be fine.” Ultimately, he switched to a different shirt—still inside out but not backwards—because he grew tired of the questions. His ability to understand himself contrasted with the confusion of those around him.
Max has always embraced being different, and his individuality intrigues others. His vibrant personality is complemented by quirks that make him unique, interesting, and even cool. This brings us to his socks: they never match. In fact, he prefers to select two non-matching socks, and while I once tried to organize them, he would intentionally unfold the pairs I made. Now, he has specific preferences—at least one sock must be tall, patterned or brightly colored, and white socks are banned for being dull.
Interestingly, other parents have thanked me for easing their laundry burdens, as their children now also opt for mismatched socks. When I inquired about his sock choices, he said, “They don’t match because everything in life doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s ok for things to be different. Because different is interesting, and I want an interesting life.” At that moment, I found myself in tears, overwhelmed with gratitude for his insightful perspective.
I cherish the bond we share, and when I asked him why he chose me as his mother, he responded, “I didn’t. God sent me because He knew we’d be good together.” How could I argue with that sentiment?
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In summary, Max’s unique qualities and quirks are not just aspects of his personality; they are a part of what makes him who he is. As a parent, I have learned to embrace his differences and appreciate the lessons they bring. His perspective on life serves as a reminder that it is the unique traits that often lead to the most interesting experiences.