Sofas

I wait on the sofa for Joshua’s arrival. Every week I look forward to these moments; an opportunity to sit with my son in a place that he loves.

Joshua’s love of the comfortable life led to our church providing him with his own sofa. This is positioned amongst the less comfortable upright chairs. People are tempted to sit on the sofa yet everyone knows that this is Joshua’s sofa. The unwritten rule, which even visitors quickly grasp, is that you don’t sit here.

Sofas play a big part in Joshy’s life. He always prefers a sofa to a chair. The other day when we visited a potential service provider, he headed straight to the sofa. At home, when we watch TV, he presents his feet or head to me for a massage from the other end of the sofa.

A lady comes and sits on the church sofa. I explain that I’m waiting for Joshua and that he can be quite territorial. I envision her being evicted at a particularly poignant part of the service. She chooses to play it safe and moves away.

Still waiting, I continue to reflect on the importance of sofas to my adult son. I realise that it’s largely due to the fact that he is an incredibly sociable young man. He doesn’t want to sit by himself. He likes human touch and engagement and welcomes company – although he is selective. Though ‘non-verbal’, Josh has found many creative ways to communicate who he is and what he wants to say. A sofa is a ‘hello’ and a ‘come and talk with me’, ‘I’m interested in you‘, ‘You’re welcome here’. What nicer way to embrace the lives of others than to share your sofa with them. Yes, he likes people to be invited and does show favouritism. But he is generally happy to invite most people to sit down with him. Sharing a sofa with Josh is a good place to be.

Joshua’s entrance into the church building halts my reverie. His arrival is grand and ceremonial, like royalty. He waves and shouts ‘hiya’ to all that are present. He loudly seeks out his favourite people and I’m secretly happy that the word ‘mama’ is spoken the most. He takes no notice of the atmosphere in the room and is unperturbed by people who may be surprised by his entrance. He has arrived and he wants everyone to know. He is greeted warmly by his subjects!

I suppress laughter as I watch him; he never tires of this moment. He is a bit of an exhibitionist and likes to be noticed. I almost expect him to take a bow – something he will do when prompted. He walks to his sofa, flops down and takes a moment to decide who is going to sit next to him. Thankfully, I continue to be his chosen one and am rarely pushed off the throne.

He looks around and checks out his kingdom. Craning his neck he grins at people and glows with pleasure. He is excited to be here. These moments never cease to give him pleasure. His only concerns are regarding his lunch order and opportunities for a photo call with mothers and their babies after the service. It is important to him that we have these matters in hand before the music begins. The musicians play and we sign or play along with our virtual instruments.

Today there is a new treat in store. It is announced that there will be a new teaching series for the church. We will be looking at the Old Testament book of Joshua!! His hand goes up and he cries out with joy; “Who said my name? Here I am!”

Have they thought this through I wonder? Do they realise that for the next few weeks, a loud cry will be heard every time they mention my son’s namesake in their preaching? That to hear his name spoken through a microphone is the height of excitement for my son? At least everyone who teaches in this series can be assured of an enthusiastic response when they get up to speak. And for Joshua it will only confirm how important he is to us all.

Joshua brings life everywhere that he goes. He enhances every moment and shares his enjoyment willingly with others. He never fails to react or respond to the endless things that make him happy. Everyone needs a Joshua to remind them of the wonder of life. And Joshua needs a sofa to spread his message.