In Asia, it is commonly said that folding one thousand paper origami cranes makes a person’s wish come true.
Sometimes, I have to call out his name, to see where he is in the house. He’s always been like this, quiet …and somewhere. And it was never, “if there’s quiet, there’s trouble,” as with his brothers, but more of a, “he’s quiet, let’s go find him.”
We’d search him out, and there he’d be, with his drawing pad, under the dining room table, silently sketching a tiger completely detailed with green eyes, or quietly rolling out anatomically correct scorpions from clay. Or folding. Folding and folding his paper origami.
My husband, who is a conservative, white collar worker by day, and “secret renaissance man” at home, is the one who has introduced all three of our boys to the major hobby in their lives. He began our oldest with piano. With our youngest, he has shared the enjoyment of anything athletic. Our middle son, who was four years old when my husband first sat down cross legged next to him, and silently and slowly began folding a 6×6 flat sheet of paper into a crane, has learned the art of origami from him. My husband would crease the shiny paper, allowing time in between each fold for our son to imitate the precise movements. I saw something in our son’s eyes come alive with that very first time of paper folding. As he watched, I remember him saying, “It’s so cool that I can make my own toys.” He had found his “thing to do with Dad.”
Our son has been folding origami for nine years now.
It suits our son’s personality: he’s quiet, he is absorbed, and he sees fulfilling results from his labor. Some of his origami can take up to one hundred folds, and an hour and a half of steady work. When he is through, he holds it in his hands, and admires what he has made from a flat sheet of paper. While he is folding, he holds an instructional dialogue with me. “Mom, did you know that the biggest mistake people make with origami is to not pre-fold?” “Mom, did you know that if you think you can’t do an origami any longer, you can just try again the next day?” I have learned that his paper folding time is the best time for me to catch glimpses into his thoughts, to find out more about who he is.
At times, he is so into his paper zone, that he won’t hear us call him. I’ll send one of his brothers to go and check on him, see how he’s doing. They’ll invariably return, and tell me, “he’s fine, Mom, he’s just at the table, folding.”
This past time of paper folding has helped him gain entry into the closed clubs of popularity that he wouldn’t otherwise be allowed in. During class downtime, he’ll begin to fold, and a crowd will soon gather, and say, “That is so cool! Can you make me one?” In his quiet nature, he’ll smile, reach for another paper, and begin folding to make the paper crane, cricket, frog, to give to whomever wanted one, while they all stand around–quiet, much like him–and watch.
I stand behind him at times, watching him fold and refold so deliberately, and I know that he is nowhere else at the moment, but in his zen of creating.
He once left me speechless with his remark of, “Mom, I know how I feel when I make something from nothing…I can’t even imagine how God felt when he made flowers and bugs.”
He is my Beautifully Quirky Son, and he has taught me to enjoy the quiet, the still, and be at peace by stepping out of the world for a moment.
“Mom,” he asks me, between folds, “do you know the origami story of One Thousand Cranes? The story goes that if a person makes one thousand paper cranes, that their wish will come true?”
I don’t have to make one thousand cranes, honey, I don’t.
Comments
Niksmom
This left me with goosebumps, watery eyes, and an incredible feeling of peace.
The Empress
What can I say, other than thank you, sincerely.
It is hard and easy to write about this boy.
He takes me to places I never would know, without him.
Your comment reminds me to accept him, even on those very, very hard days.
Thank you!
Y'vonne
What a beautiful story.
The Empress
Thank you, Y’vonne.
I watched my son with my husband, and I knew I just had to catch that moment in words.
Wish I would’ve had the camera nearby, too.
molly
Beautiful.
The Empress
Awww, thanks, Molly.
As I said before: he takes so much care with things.
With the origami, and with all things.
He canNOT be rushed.
xo
Karla (Mom2MissK)
As a fellow creative spirit and sometimes-origami-folder, I am absolutely floored by how well you captured the spirit of this art in the hands of a bautiful soul. I look forward to the day that we find a catalyst like origami that will open the door to my daughter’s thoughts.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am deeply inspired and have renewed hope because of it!
The Empress
You?
You I would love to meet in real life.
You speak my language.
Let’s talk more, K?
Shell
So beautiful, Empress! Your son is a very special guy.
The Empress
Oh, Shell: you and I, both just waiting and watching each year, to see that they stay on target, right?
Thank you for coming, my friend.
The Empress
You can’t imagine the extreme joy I have in finding this site.
I now have a place where my posts of my amazing boy fit in, more than interrupt a flow.
He is amazing, and with loving comments like these,I feel even more blessed to have my mundane world turned on it’s head by this boy.
Thank you!!
DG @ Diaryofamadbathroom
What a lovely story about a lovely boy. Beautiful job Empress.
The Empress
Coming from you?
Awesomeness.
I know how much we both love our children.
They might as well be our oxygen.
Thank you for stopping by.
brian
smiles. nah your wishes come true already…origami is pretty cool…i took a class when i was like 12…
The Empress
Origami allows him to make something from nothing, and he watches the whole process.
His patience and determination astound me, b/c he has none for other things: like learning to tie this shoes.
But his origami? He will take 3 days to finish a model if he has to.
Thanks for your loyal support, Brian. So very much.
Leighann
Alexandra. You always take my breath away.
The Empress
Leighann:
You know I love you, girl, right?
Thanks for stopping over. xo
Mrs. Tuna
I’m glad for the joy you boys bring to you.
The Empress
He does.
As long as I remember to remind myself he is amazing.
Some days, it’s easy to forget, I confess.
Ann
Beautiful! When the OKC bombing happened, they were sent paper cranes in the mail. At the exit of their memorial museum, they have metal origami cranes suspended from their ceiling….1000 of them. It was a sight to bdhold. Your son is doing an amazing art and sounds wonderful….hugs to you and him!
The Empress
Thank you, Ann.
I have grown so accustomed to the cranes all over our house, that the sight of a paper crane immediately brings a gut reaction of peace to me.
Carrie Ackerman
Words are failing me…all I am thinking is , “Wow”. What a blessing…him, his talent, and him having you for parents. Thanks for sharing this…it does give this crazy world a ray of hope.
The Empress
Carrie:
Your comment just bowled me over.
What can I say?
Thank YOU.
dusty earth mother
So incredibly beautiful. I LOVE that your son does origami! What a peaceful and settling hobby.
The Empress
Dusty, you sweet thing.
He is at peace when he folds.
I wish I could have worked in how much of an agitated state other things place him in, but not origami.
That’s his safe place.
jriverarox
This is amazing. The insight that your son has while he’s “in the moment” is beautiful. I’m so happy you’ve found this site as well as clearly your story has touched so many people already and will continue to touch and support those who need to hear your encouraging words. Thank you!
The Empress
Oh, you read my mind.
That’s exactly why I began blogging: so people would feel less alone.
Our modern society has lost its connection with each other.
We become isolated and lose our perspective: I don’t want that to happen to anyone.
Heather Finnegan
The Empress
I hope so!!
Thank you!
Amy
This is one of the most beautiful posts I have read. Thank you for sharing.
The Empress
Amy, your comment took my breath away.
THANK YOU.
Jean
Like an earlier poster, your sense of serenity is what grabs me.
Your partner seems to be a really great dad too.
It’s no wonder you have such wonderful kids XXX
The Empress
Oh, Jean:
on the ugly days, when this boy is unglued b/c his socks are scratchy, or his coat feels too tight, those are not the origami days.
His origami settles him down and remaps him like nothing I”ve ever seen.
I am eternally grateful for the kind of husband I have.
Thank you.
CircleTimeMommy
Thank you for sharing your story with us. It’s so wonderful that your son has found a way to share his unique giftedness. I love the tone of honor and love your post has. I deeply honor my son’s giftedness and uniqueness and long for others to see into him the way I do and be the richer for it. Beautiful.
The Empress
He has the perfect father for him, that is for sure.
Thank you for your very generous words of love.
We need to talk further, it’s not all origami days, is it?
Alison@Mama Wants This
A breathtaking beautiful piece, Empress. Thank you for putting your heart into words and sharing it with us.
The Empress
Thank you, Alison:
he is very, very unique, amazing, one of a kind.
Thank you.
Motpg
He is a Treasure : )
The Empress
He is!!
Thank you so much.
Andrea
Having never been able to get the hang of origami (and been infinitely frustrated), I don’t just want to learn it now…I want this kind sweet soul to teach me…Beautiful!
The Empress
Oh, he is such a good teacher. And encouraging, too.
Just like this post tells you.
xo
Kristin @ What She Said
This is one of the most beautiful and touching tributes I’ve ever read. You brought tears to my eyes.
The Empress
And you just did the same thing for me.
I can’t tell you the gift of communicating with others, is just incredible to me.
It’s why I began blogging.
It’s why blogging saves my life daily: BLogging.
I don’t know what I did without it. Yes, I do: I became swallowed up in my own reality.
Thank you!
Deborah
Soooooo sweet. This story is not as sweet as your boy.
The Empress
Oh, he is a love, D.
I wish the world would leave him be.
Chickens Consigliere
Hi Empress, I have read this post before but couldn’t resist reading it again because it is one of your most beautiful, among many, posts. But it is the photo I keep going back to. You are beautiful and you have a beautiful family.
The Empress
Chicken, oh my Chicken.
How i miss you.
Post already, would you??
And thanks for the compliments..
Smoke and mirrors.
xo
The Suniverse (@TheSuniverse)
Oh, so beautiful and poignant. I love that your husband has given each of your boys their hobby. And the wonderful feeling of hearing and sharing such contemplation and thoughts about life and paper and being. What a lovely family.
The Empress
Pays to wait as long as you can and hold out for the very best.
We got married when we were 35.
So glad I waited.
Clearly, this is the dad meant for my boy.
xo
MamaRobinJ
I loved this and felt its power all the way through to the last line. And then my breath caught in my throat. I’m all goosebumpy. One of the best things you’ve written (which says a lot).
Funny timing – we were at the doctor a couple of weeks ago and she has paper cranes above the exam table in her room. Connor noticed them and thought they were great, so my husband made one for him when we got home. And then he wanted more, and I was joking with my husband that he was in for it now – 1 down, 999 to go!
This is actually not something I can picture C getting into – he’s not that focused, though maybe I underestimate him. Or maybe he will change as he gets older. But he loves those cranes. We had one of his friends coming over to play and he wanted Dad to make one for her. He chose her favourite colour – blue – and made one and kept it safe until she got here then proudly presented it to her. She took it as though it were the most amazing gift ever. And maybe it was
The Empress
Origami just grabbed him the first time he did it , when he was 4.
I was so surprised b/c everything else he tried, other than drawing, he would lose interest in.
And drawing is wonderful, but the origami brings the social to the surface.
It’s a wonderful thing in his life now, and he’s won competitions with it.
I’m so lucky I married a man who could do origami so he could show it to my son so it could change his life.
HA!
Tracie
This is such a beautiful story. I love that your husband has a special thing with each child. That is a precious blessing.
I love that his folding has given you insight into his thoughts.
Okay. I’m crying now.
The Empress
Thank you, Tracie.
It is a calming, centering activity for him.
kelly
“To Create something out of nothing”.
This is such a beautiful tribute to your son.
It is a testimate to being amazing parents and the willingness to enjoy the peace and to help foster the unique talents within.
xoxo
The Empress
In this case, I’ve seen him bloom with the skill he has.
He has won award for both origami and drawing.
He doesn’t fit into our town: which is, if you don’t do football you don’t count.
But, then, that makes this boy so much like me.
So very much like me.
Finding our way, and what we were meant to do.
Love you for stopping here, Kpugs, thank you!
RottenMom
Blessed are we that have been given the gift of Mothering such a beautiful child.
I don’t know how it is possible, but I love you more with every post you write.
The Empress
Rotten Mom:
I will always wonder how I was lucky enough to cross paths with you.
You are always so supportive and unconditional in your loyalty to me.
Thank you
Wombat Central
So beautiful! I love those quiet moments when we get to see what’s going on in their minds. Thanks for sharing a bit of your special guy with us!
The Empress
I know.
Boys seem to enter a zone when they’re in their passion, that just opens their minds up to communication.
If their hands are busy, their mouths are loosed.
I love that.
xo
Joann Mannix
Out of the mouths of our babes. Beautiful words from a beautiful boy. How wonderful that your husband gave your son this gift, this special talent all his own. Cranes are such a symbol of peace and reassurance and comfort. It’s quite symbolic I think that origami found him. Beautiful post, as always, my friend.
The Empress
Thank you, Joann:
finding you has been such a BIG part of my blogging life.
Thank you.
Kir
that was just a stunning story, one that brought tears to my eyes and a peace to my heart. When he said that about God creating the bugs and flowers, I was sure my heart would burst. What an amazing son you have, a human being that will leave this world better just by being himself…just like YOU make our world better by sharing all you do with us.
xo
The Empress
Oh, Kir, if you were here, I’d push you down.
In a good way.
xo
(thanks for always loving on me, girl. )
Lady Jennie
Your son sounds a lot like the man I married. I know there will be some wonderful lady out there that will love him for all these qualities. He sounds just perfect.
(Although right now the most important woman – his mom – loves him already).
The Empress
I wish I could sit across from you and talk, I feel my son would thrive in a home like yours.
xo
liz
Oh how I want to be a fly on the wall in your home. Your boys are such treasures, and they have an amazing mama who knows their individual needs.
The Empress
Liz, you know me.
I truly have a crush on each one.
Thanks for being here.
the mombshell
This? Is a stunning piece of writing. Lovely my friend.
The Empress
Mombshell?
Coming from my bloggy crush, I am bowled over.
THANK YOU.
Roxanne
This is such a beautiful story. And your paper-folder sounds so profound.
The Empress
He was diagnosed as profoundly gifted when he was 5.
And it explained a lot of sensory issues:
the world is always “turned on” for him, at too loud a volume.
But in his origami zone: he has the quiet he needs to center his thoughts. I love that. And I am grateful to my husband for that.
Anna Lefler
Another lovely, thoughtful post.
After a disastrous napkin-folding incident in 4th grade, I gave up on my paper-folding dreams, but I will always love reading your posts!
The Empress
Anna:
You have made my day!!!
Thank you.
ed pilolla
well, your son’s folding paper is a wonderful thing in his life.. it’s like the stetch artist drawing with his or her tongue hanging out and not hearing anything of the world around. it’s also a treat, of course, how you see how centered and lovely he becomes in this moment of folding. i get the feeling you are hands off and very observant, which i love.
The Empress
ed:
I am astounded.
You caught it right on the head.
I watch.
My MIL has told me I need to “get in there and join” but I watch and I tell you, all three boys talk and dish out what their thoughts are when I just sit next to them.
Doing nothing but looking.
Elena
I think I may have a crush on your son. Seriously friend, if only life could be this beautiful all the time. Thank you for sharing such a moment of joy and strength.
The Empress
He lives in the moment.
No worries: just what is in front of him.
Unlike his mother.
I need to post on that.
Natalie @ Mama Track
This is so lovely. I have a 2 year old, and I can already see how important it is to find something that calls to him, that fits him uniquely. It’s beautiful that you let each of your children develop into their own people. And love accept them for who they are.
I know the story of 1000 cranes, and it is a touching one.
The Empress
It’s so much fun to see them drawn to what their passion is, isn’t it?
KLZ
I love your love, so much.
The Empress
KLZ, you are going to watch your little guy grow up and just be so PROUD and in awe of how much they do and then you realize: they are their own person, and not an extension of you.
It’s awesome.
Patty
Just as everyone has said, this was beautiful! Just beautiful.
And I have to thank you for sharing this. Lately, I have been really struggling with autism and SPD and all it entails. I have been overwhelmed with all the therapies and interventions to the point that I am not enjoying the beautiful moments that happen everyday. I have been focusing so much on how I hate autism at this moment that I forget how wonderful my son’s quirks are, how truly unique he is, and how much autism has taught me. I know I need to let go of my anger and my previous expectations. I need to focus on the amazing child that he is rather than on all the difficulties that arise. Somehow, reading this post makes that much easier to do. I hope you’ll post more!
The Empress
I would love to.
I remember reading a magazine years and years ago, when my son was three. The quote there has stayed with me every day:
“Accept a child for who he is and watch him blossom.”
Lather Rinse Repeat.
xo
Spectrummy Mummy
Just as everybody else said, this is a truly captivating post. Thank you so much for sharing this tribute to your son, and inspiring the rest of us to enjoy folding back the layers to see the beauty of our amazing children.
The Empress
I love what your comment says here.
Perfect metaphor.
Your comment is lovely, thank you.
twelvedaysold
Slightly off topic, but my husband and I watched a special on paper folding. The stuff people make is INSANE!! I think it’s a fantastic hobby for your son to have.
The Empress
The best thing about this hobby is that there is ALWAYS another level to grow into.
You can never be done with it. It is always challenging.
And so wonderful as a focusing activity.
Thank you so much for stopping by!!
The Flying Chalupa
I loved this glimpse into your middle son’s world! And origami – how fascinating. I’ve always been horrible with things like that.
Another wonderful tribute to your sons! Beautiful.
The Empress
Chalupa, you just wait.
Sons are so wonderful and help so much in understanding men…you get to see them grow from little boys to men and then you see your husband and imagine him that way.
It’s awesome.
Katie
I love when you write about your sons. Love. LOVE. This was so beautiful.
The Empress
They are my favorite subject.
I truly do jump up when they walk into a room.
xo
Charlotte
This is such a beautiful view into your world. I love that your son found his niche and that he learned this from your hubby. And that you are the storyteller. Your words always leave me with goosebumps. Well done, Alexandra.
The Empress
Charlotte, you are so good to me.
Thank you so much for your support of my writing.
Comments that you leave me keep me going, and I think of them over and over.
Thank you.
Kara
This made my heart soar. I’m looking forward to one day finding our origami.
The Empress
I hope the same for you.
xo
PartlySunny
Aaagh! You get me every time!!!
Love you to pieces.
The Empress
Thank you, Partly Sunny:
I feel you really get what I’m saying, the way you know me.
Thanks for stopping over.
xo
Sherri
I read this first on my iPod and couldn’t figure out how to comment…so I just read it again and wow. Just wow. Did he ever find the perfect parents or what? What a sweet, lovely boy you have and what a sweet love you have for him.
Any child who grows up under your wing? Is quite lucky, Empress.
Melissa @imaginationsoup
beautiful.
thank you.
Mama, Hear Me Roar
Thank you so much for this, love and tenderness.
I hope my children will find that special hobby too. One that will help them express themselves in the unique way that they are. One that will allow me to share in their world.
You have a precious precious son, Alexandra. I wish I could tell him he has wise and amazing parents.
julie gardner
I scrolled through all of these beautiful, complimentary comments and did not notice anyone mentioning what is by far my favorite line in your lovely post:
“Mom, did you know that if you think you can’t do an origami any longer, you can just try again the next day?”
Forgive me if someone else mentioned this and I missed it. But his statement, to me, is how I want to live my life; how I want to teach my children to live their lives with regards to all of their goals and hopes and wishes.
Yes.
You can just try again the next day.
Anything. Always.
You can.
Yes.
Coolwhipmom
This story makes me want to cry. Not because of sadness. But because of the joy it brings me to know that people like you exist. And how incredibly lucky I am to live on a planet with someone like you whose incrdible love shines like a brilliant star. Your children are so very lucky to have a mom like you, Empress. So very very blessed and lucky.
Coolwhipmom
And also, how very lucky and blessed we moms are to have them.
MamasTurnNow
How is it that I missed this post and did not know about your blog. This post just spoke to me. You write with such honesty and yet you painted such a beautiful picture too. Obviously your son doesn’t just get his creativity from your husband. I think the part that I enjoyed most was that this post just sings with hope and love. I say all the time that what I really ever want is for my son to be able to find his thing, the thing that will connect him to the outside world. The thing that will make people shake their heads and say, Yes I get it, I get him now, I understand. I am so happy that your son found his… and I am hopeful that my boy will find his some day soon too! Now I am off to go read your blog.
Forgotten
This opened my heart up and poured it out my eyes. So beautiful.
I have these little moments with my son, and his twin, and my daughter. They all have their special little something that makes them so wonderful. I think maybe it’s just the fact that they’re mine.
Kelley
I didn’t think many other people did the 1,000 crane thing anymore. Growing up I had to help fold them for relatives birthdays, 50th anniversaries, my wedding, etc. They look beautiful hung up when done but it is a lot of work! I haven’t done it for my autistic daughter…maybe when she is a little older (probably should start soon…takes a long time).
Janet
That is the loveliest story I have read in a while. How blessed you are.
Alexandra
The comments here are making me cry.
Do you all know what wonderful women/mothers/human beings you are?
Thank you.
Ann Mulligan
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/google-doodles-akira-yoshizawas-101st-birthday/239038-11.html
Thought your son would like to see this, Google celebrates origami master
Lovely story