Expert Holder of Things

     Kevin, since I first met him, was a constant holder of things. He always had something in his hands. Often it would be something similar to what activity or job was being done around him at the time. For instance, if a carpenter project was underway, Kevin would search around with his eyes until he found something that would be appropriate to hold; something symbolic that would connect him to what was happening in front of him. I often remember putting hammers and screwdrivers in his hands (one in each hand if he could). Finding the item was only half the assignment. Kevin was very particular as to how it was put into his hand. If it was a hammer, he would want to hold the hammer how someone would naturally take hold of a hammer. One of Kevin’s favorite things to hold (especially when he was in school or doing homework) was a pen or pencil. Kevin even spent his own money on pens and pencils. He particularly liked the large colorful pens (fat pens) with a rubber grip. Kevin, again, was very particular about holding his cherished pens. You couldn’t just thrust it into his hand. You had to place it in his hand (and fingers) just the way you would if you were about to write.

     Because he was so particular (and it gave him great pleasure to appropriately hold a tool or an object) I would sometimes, on purpose, put the tool in his hand sloppily or “unnaturally.” Kevin would immediately look up with his big blue eyes and give a look of disbelief. I would often avoid eye contact and play the part of the freshman nurse. This would usually just make Kevin start to laugh because he then knew that I was giving him a bad time. I would have to walk back to him and fix the tool correctly in his hand. He would look at me and smile with his eyes. He enjoyed playing, but he also really enjoyed holding things in his hands.