One nine-year-old autistic boy named Jamie and his stuffed bugbear called Beth show Uncle Sam how to live the good life on the autism spectrum.

JAMIE AND THE BUGBEAR SAVE THE DAY

by Joe Reister © 2024

Jamie

Stubborn, confident and so full of joy.

He’s a smart, autistic, nine-year-old boy.

Gentle and kind, he is also real tough.

Amazingly good at dealing with stuff.

Beth the Bugbear

The size of a bug, the strength of a bear,

With wings and some fur, she flies through the air.

She works so hard for her favorite boy.

Will do anything to bring him more joy.

--

Jamie’s Uncle Sam came over today.

He always tried to get Jamie to play.

That’s why Beth thought he was one of the best.

Even if Jamie wasn’t that impressed.

True, Sam’s intentions were never in doubt.

But those never helped him figure things out.

Sure, he kept trying when others had quit,

Yet still he couldn’t quite find the right fit.

--

Now Mom and Dad had Sam here overnight. 

For they had plans to be out past first light.

Said he was in charge, and all would be fine.

Still, Jamie thought he might just cross a line. 

But today Beth figured Sam might come through.

And finally see just what he could do.

True, he was bad at taking direction.

Yet this time they had a plan for action. 

--

First, Sam’s blow dryer just needed to go.

It hurt Jamie’s ears, and cause too much woe.

And so they planned to go on the attack.

Jamie was ready and wouldn’t turn back.

Yes, hide the dryer.  That only seemed fair. 

Sam shouldn’t mind.  He had really nice hair. 

Not that it mattered.  He hadn’t a clue.

Still not seeing what his nephew could do. 

--

That’s why Jamie had such a collection.

He was so good avoiding detection.

Nothing important, just doo dads and toys.

Sam’s dryer and other things that made noise.

See, he knew when stuff needed to get done. 

And Jamie could do it, like anyone. 

Sure, some people thought he wasn’t so smart.

But Beth knew her boy had more than just heart.

--

Sam suspected too and had for a while. 

Which is why today he hoped for a smile.

Made Jamie’s favorite, PB&J.

Learned it from Mom, just earlier that day.

Yet sometimes even Mom got it wrong too.

There was just so much one person could do.

Sure, she got Jamie to eat lots of food.

Still now and then he would just say, “No good!” 

--

But Sam was fine with Jamie’s reaction. 

He had faced down that kind of rejection. 

He knew his nephew could be hard to sway. 

And that’s why he brought more patience that day.  

So, he smiled as Jamie ate just a grape.

Hoping that and chips should keep him in shape.

Still, he stared, wondering what was enough.

While Beth just smiled, cause her boy knew his stuff.

--

Jamie worked hard so that his world made sense.

Having autism was super intense.

He heard too much and felt way too little.

That’s why Beth helped when life got too brittle.

She let him yell, jump or break any rule.

As long as he was safe, it was all cool. 

For Beth knew Jamie could do so much more. 

If only others could open that door.

--

It helped that his folks did more than their share.

Filled him with hope when the world seemed unfair. 

They kept him smiling through all of the strife.

Did all they could so that he enjoyed life. 

And now Beth thought Sam might be in that loop.

Even clever enough to join their group. 

She watched Sam closely as Jamie said, “Pull.” 

Wishing he had gotten good grades at school.

--

Then Jamie pushed them outside to the swings.

To show Sam one of his favorite things.

He jumped on the set, and said, “Pull,” again.

Hoping his uncle could see through his plan.

Sam focused not understanding this game. 

Just kind of staring and feeling real lame.

He always tried, and still couldn’t get it.

Then found a smile and saw how it all fit.

--

Jamie smiled too when he started to swing.

Glad that Sam figured out what he should bring.

Then his uncle gave a second big shove.

Making Jamie shout, and Sam feel the love.

Now Beth rejoiced as Sam gave a third tug.

She knew that her boy would give Sam a hug.

For today Jamie and Beth had found hope.

It seemed that Sam wasn’t quite such a dope.

--

Beth was so happy with Sam on the team. 

Getting him on it was part of her dream. 

True, Sam would need yet even more patience. 

But Beth believed he could go the distance.

Jamie smiled big with his uncle there too.

They had waited so long for Sam’s breakthrough.

He hoped that more would rise to that challenge.

For they planned to keep spreading their knowledge.

--

Autism is rough. 

Many kids and adults on the autism spectrum experience a different world than the rest of us, and have a hard time talking about it.  If they can talk at all.  And doctors aren’t much help since they’re still trying to figure out what autism really is and how to deal with it.  So, family and friends often struggle to relate to those on the spectrum.  While the rest of us just stare and wonder what is going on. 

But the autistic like others to be part of their world: to share, care and live like everyone else.  The rest of us can help by listening without judging, try to imagine life through their eyes, and understand that they are doing their best to cope with a world that may change without rhyme or reason.  So, please be patient if you see someone on the spectrum, and understand that your flexibility is appreciated. 

Even if you don’t see a flying bugbear nearby.