Hello, I Am Building A Boy
Building a Boy is the story of our son’s life; a little boy who has lived 48 years longer than doctors believed he would. Parents often describe the life lessons they learned from raising their children, but I believe, as does my husband, that our son Greg learned his life lessons through us. As the only child in the world born with the combination of special needs - Conradi-Hunermann’s Syndrome, Autism, Scoliosis and blindness - we built our son’s understanding of the world one experience at a time. These learning experiences are ongoing to this day and we cherish every one. We have been on a journey since the day I got pregnant and I would not change a thing about it.
Greg has always loved music and when he was 13 years old, he began taking piano lessons with a very special teacher. His musical talent was immediately evident and I quickly became dedicated to his musical development. In 2013, I contacted a local organization who offered music lessons for folks with special needs. A second music teacher began working with Greg every week to introduce new instruments, music theory and classical music. Greg now plays many instruments: piano, desk bells, djembe, marimba, melodica and the Hapi drum. Music gave Greg a sense of purpose and brought him peace amidst the storms he so bravely faced.
As a Baby
Chapter 2
"His knees were swollen, hot to the touch and he was crying hard. Antibiotics were ordered and we were sent home. Days passed but there was no consoling him – he was still crying. He did not like to be touched or held in any way, shape or form and I felt as though I could not console him. I could not ease his pain."
Cynthia Robson, Mom
The Car Wash
Chapter 16
"It was during a car wash that Greg learned, for the first time, how to roll down the window. What Dad thought would be a new auditory experience for Greg turned into a full sensory one, with a rolled down window, and suds!"
Glenn Robson, Dad
Hats Off to Dad
Chapter 16
"I have learned that my husband is a very special man. His calming patience is never-ending and his understanding of others runs deep. He has the ability to put himself in the shoes of the person he is helping, and help them achieve what they think they cannot."
Cynthia Robson, Mom