One Jump Forward

The snow is crunching beneath our feet.

The sun is playing hide and seek with the clouds.

He is jumping between rocks, telling me about his day in the way that only children can. Fast thoughts running together, flowing out of his mind and mouth like a waterfall of words.

He comes upon a big rock, covered in snow. He is hesitant, clearly unsure of whether or not he can make the jump.

I want to say “be careful!” but I bite my tongue and watch.

He bends his legs, preparing to jump.

I hear him begin to say to himself quietly, “I can do this. I CAN do this.”

And he’s airborne. Flying through the air.

I hold my breath, hoping he lands safely.

And he does.

A smile spreads across his face, lighting up the afternoon. He is proud of himself. He did it. 

That smile makes every hour of my job worth it.

In six short months he has changed his thoughts from “I am stupid, I am worthless,” to I can do it.

He is facing situations that months ago he would have shied away from.

He is jumping. Even though he is afraid.

And just like that, in this one simple moment, I know my work with him is done.