Past, present, and future
I got the hairy eyeball from a woman in the grocery store today as we walked (or more specifically traipsed) through the Organic aisle. Nathan wasn’t doing anything wrong, not by a long shot. He was being watched, he wasn’t tearing things off the shelves. He was humming as he walked, randomly touching things, saying “excuse me” if he bumped into someone. So why the stinkeye? I have no idea. I almost went up to her and asked, “Is there a problem?” and yes, I totally would have verbally sumo wrestled her if need be.
I have been too hyper vigilant with Nate as of late. Too worried about what other people might think or might say. I think all of us who have aspies or kids with ASD can be. I had him out of his element yesterday, but even with that, he rallied so well. So, today, when Nathan asked, “Mom, can we make s’mores?” I didn’t say, “No, honey, it’s not on my diet (which it isn’t).” I said, “You bet!” I followed some very good advice and cut him some slack, and I gave myself some, too.
He hugged me as he ate his s’more and gave me a marshmallow covered kiss. I told him how awesome he was and he told me that he loved me. Nothing beats that right now. I marvel at his amazing heart and his capacity for compassion and empathy. He asked me to join him in watching him build some Legos, and I did.
With my introduction of NSASA, which is very close to the ASA (Autism Society of America) I am now referring to it as Autism Nation, which is as diverse and inclusionary name I can think of! I am announcing the first meeting very soon, sometime in June, to go over what we’re about, which is about parents and children. I want to know what your needs, concerns, desires, questions all are. I think that is the best way to serve our local Autism Nation. (I mean, this IS Red Sox country!)
I think I must be nuts, but you know, great things never happen with rational thinking. 😉
@keystspf@xanga – Usually I don’t care what people think or say, but this time, she was REALLY staring at me and looked like she was about to reprimand me in the middle of the store. And neither one of us was making a scene or a fuss. Most of the time we’re just having a grand old time and people don’t give us the deer in headlights look. I think it was the effort she put into her staring that put me on edge.
Eh, me and all three of my kids will randomly “burst into song” just about anywhere… Like walking through Walmart singing some odd Hannah Montanna song the other day… I don’t really care how people look at us. At least I’m not screaming at them or beating them like I’ve seen some people do to their kids. 🙁 I also take great pleasure in riding the loaded shopping carts down the hill to my car while the kids run behind me (or even by myself when they’re not there)… LOL *shrugs* It’s FUN. My kids are eight, nine, and eleven, so they’re a little beyond the hand-holding stages anyway… unless they want to… usually on the way in there’s all four of us holding hands.