Chapter 11 - The Bow Tie
For three weeks, Bram refused formal clothes.
No bow ties.
No button-down shirts.
No jackets.
He associated them with the wedding.
We did not force.
At school photo day, his teacher said:
“Whatever he’s comfortable in is fine.”
He wore a green dinosaur T-shirt.
Excellent portrait.
He also began asking before family events:
“Will Grandma be there?”
Sometimes yes.
Sometimes no.
When yes:
“Will she move me?”
“No.”
“How know?”
Harder.
“Because she is not allowed to touch your chair without permission.”
That became a family rule.
Not just for Cordelia.
Everyone.
A wheelchair is not furniture.
It is personal space and mobility.
Do not lean on it.
Do not push without asking.
Do not move it because a room looks better another way.
Bram liked the rule.
He began enforcing it himself.
One cousin leaned against his handle at Thanksgiving.
Bram said:
“Off.”
The cousin jumped away.
“Sorry.”
May you like
No drama.
Boundaries become ordinary when adults respect them early enough.
