Writer's Workshop: Crazytown

This week, I am writing following the prompt: 4. Something funny your child said.

It was a year ago this weekend that Joshua came up with this gem, which I shared on Twitter:

"I was just a kid in Hollywood living a simple life, until a tornado scooped me up and put me in your belly." My kid is strange.

— Jessica Sweeney (@goaliej54) October 11, 2014

In the past year, this has evolved into something even bigger.

Joshua later explained to me that the place's true name is Crazytown. In this town, people are different, and the technology is awesome. The people are very sensitive and don't always like the sort of things that people from "here" like. But they aren't afraid to be who they are -- in fact, they're pretty proud to be different. They are very curious and inquisitive people, as well, having invented such things as the "Crazytown car," which can turn into an airplane and a submarine, and comes with every safety feature imaginable, to deal with any unfortunate situation possible. Crazytown people are pretty cautious and always want to be safe. The sensitive thing, I think.

The Mayor loves his Beanie Boos; they come
from Crazytown, too.

There are other people from Crazytown here among us, but not everyone is. Apparently, I and a few other family members are, as well as some of Joshua's friends. He values his Crazytown crew; he was so happy to be reunited with us. He often reminds me of what life was like in Crazytown ("Don't you remember that, Mom?") and is looking forward to going back when we're done here. My mom swears he must have been reincarnated.

I love that my son has so much confidence and sees so much value in himself, and that, even though he sometimes feels like he's a little different than other kids, he doesn't mind. He's proud to be different, proud to be himself. He's a leader (former Mayor of Crazytown, of course), he knows what he wants, and he works to make things happen. He has made leaps and bounds since he started preschool three years ago, but still has some sensitivities that has prompted us to get him tested for Sensory Processing Disorder (soon, I hope -- on the waiting list). Hopefully, we can get him the help he needs. In addition, he has just been diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, which brings its own set of possible complications -- we can only pray that his case will be as mild as possible. With both disorders can come learning disabilities, but we have been blessed that Josh is a brilliant boy who is thriving in school. I think his dreams of being a television producer, or scientist, or engineer, or artist, or musician, or librarian, or race car driver, or a hockey player are not too far out of reach. Although, the fact that he wants to be ALL of them may be... but you never know! He's a high achiever with boundless energy. I hope he always stays this way. And I hope thoughts of Crazytown keep him feeling safe and happy for as long as he needs them.

I'm so grateful for my boy's wonderful imagination, and proud to be a fellow citizen of his delightful Crazytown!