Sometimes words tickle me to such a point that I get the giggles and need to share them, partly because they are so contagious (the words and the giggles) and because I can’t hold them in.

Such was the case today when I read a post on Facebook written by Tamara Mark, who lives in Pasadena, CA with her two preternaturally beautiful sons, Ian and Harry. With a mother’s pride, she writes about their adventures and milestones regularly and a shower of love follows. On this day, she had posted something about Ian.

When I asked her to describe him, she had this to say:  “Ian is a 15 year old boy with nonverbal autism. He loves people, animals, children and babies. He may be nonverbal but he has so many beautiful ways of communicating his heart. I call him a Love Ambassador.”

She went on to say:

“I want to share another message that Ian’s OT, Holly Pickerell Charlton shared with me yesterday. Hi Tamara, wanted to share a quote from a boy named Joshua who in the past has been kissed by Ian and has been startled by it. Today as Ian was putting away his shoes there stood Josh next to him.  Josh then said,  “you better watch out , he likes to love,: with some seriousness. What touched me was his perception of Ian and the word he chose to describe a trait. We adults can learn so much from the child’s perspective. I think of you often as well and be reassured that Ian laughs wholeheartedly many times in the session over the movement based activities.”

Wowzers~  “He likes to love.” What would it be like to hear yourself described that way?  I know that I would sure embrace that. It could mean being present with someone, holding space for them as you listen with the ears of the heart. It might look like speaking words of appreciation for their presence in your life and seeing them the way they want to be seen; at their Highest. It may be physical affection, with consent so that you know you aren’t alone. How about something as simple as a smile.

I had a flash that it would be cool to be sportin’ a t-shirt that warns:  “Look out. I like to love.”  on the front and Love Ambassador on the back. Ian doesn’t need to wear a shirt like that, even though he would have inspired it, since he lives heart-forward and like ET, has his heart light turned on and beaming radiantly.

Turn On Your Heartlight by Neil Diamond

Photo credit: Be Mine Valentinelumix2004