Benny's Signature Shiver

The picture above is of our Benny’s signature shiver. (Also, note the amazing crop of hair! 🙂 ) He does this shiver in anticipation of just about everything in life. It has caused me to acquire ants in my pants and to jump up and down on the inside with pent up energy when I am trying to move on with my day, and he takes his good old time to shiver. Shame on me. Every single time he gets a glass of milk he shivers. Whenever he glimpses a tube feed coming; shiver. Oh boy, a bath; biggest shiver on earth! When daddy or his siblings come home from work, first shiver, then greet. He signed guitar and someone fetched it for him, that someone will stand there, handing him his guitar until he is all done shivering. He begged and begged and Hannah finally agreed to take him outside to see Harper, the giant Bernese Mountain Dog of hers, which is so awesome that it causes double shivers! 🙂

I can’t even name all the reasons he shivers so just believe me when I say he does it about every single thing that comes his way, if it’s something he likes.

I know we are a little strange, but we think it’s so cute. Benny just wouldn’t be Benny if he didn’t shiver in pure joy and anticipation of everything!

But what is more entertaining than Benny’s shiver are the comments people make as to what they think he is doing. If I didn’t know Benny, I wouldn’t know either!

What people have said he’s doing.

“Oh, he’s trying to hide!” Wrong. He is so totally not trying to lie low!

“Stop it, Ralph, you’re embarrassing him!” I don’t think Benny has ever or ever will be ashamed!

“We love when he’s shy, it’s so cute.” This came from his school teachers!

“Hi, Benny, can you shake my hand?” And because this is highly exciting, and he loves when people talk to him and shake his hand, he shivers extra long. If we don’t tell people to wait, they are half way across the room by the time he’s done. Then he is so disappointed. Ouch. This hurts my Mommy heart for my Benny. Every once in awhile we come across a gem that just somehow knows to wait it out. You are awesome, and you deserve a medal if this is you! Our church family has this down to an art. You should see them patiently wait it out. They are the best.

One time someone suggested he’s getting mad. One time only. I can’t even remember who it was. But he is definitely not angry. Instead he is the opposite. Benny is so thrilled and delighted with what’s coming that he can’t contain it.

Here is Sue Thomas’ take at it. This is an excerpt from the forward she wrote in Benny’s Book:

“There is no greater joy than to be received by Benny with his hands clasped together as he lowers and tilts his head. He bows before all he meets and makes you feel so royally special. Is this not how we should greet all we meet?” I may have cried like a baby when I read that. My Benny, the most beautiful soul I know.

The joy of the Lord is my strength.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

I think I can confidently say that this verse lives and breathes through Benny. Benny’s heart leaps for joy, and with his shiver, Benny praises him!

May we all be more like Benny, wearing our true colors all day, every day. Nothing about Benny is ever fake. We never have to wonder what he is thinking, or how he feels about situations. He always shows it all for the entire world to see.

Remember the song, “He’s still working on me, to make me what I ought to be?” I’m convinced that God decided to allow us to have Benny, so he could teach us daily lessons, through Benny’s life, for as long as he lives. I am so thankful for this blessing! Have a wonderful evening, my friends!