Some days, most days the emotions are raw, really, really raw. I have to remember that the goal is to make life happy and love with all my heart. Owen got up at about five ready for the big slides. I told him we had to wait until they were open and he said, “next time.” It’s about that instant gratification. He may not relate to it like that but if something isn’t happening right this moment then it’s “next time” or “next week.” I’ve been working on how to tell time with him and he is getting closer. I said we are going today but at two o’clock. He said, “bowling open” and I went through the same scenario with him. The boy was ready to be on the go to the big slides. So bowling by six on the Wii it was. He got upset that it started raining because he thought we couldn’t go to the big slides. I told him the rain would not keep us from going since they are on the inside. I explained that we would have to only walk through the rain to get inside. He started looking for raindrops on his night shorts and we were still inside. I fixed him breakfast and I set his glass down. He picked it up and starts walking away fast and said, “chocolate milk in the bed.” I told him I don’t think so and he said, “well think so.” We got dressed and we went to the “big slides” when they opened so he could process it all. He likes to talk about finding “the robot BeatBo” in their closet that he’s not supposed to go into and run next to the bathrooms because he likes the noises. The only thing was he was expecting our friends to be there when we got there. I told him they would be coming in about an hour. His attention was all about when they were coming. I should not have told him that anyone was coming. You would think I know this by now. He was focused on when they were coming and not doing any of the activities. He was also focused on the closet, the bathroom, falling off of things, climbing the wrong side of the structures, and a guy he kept calling “uncle wichard.” He had a hat, a plaid shirt, jeans, and shoes. From there he did not look anything like him but he kept running up to him and talking to him. He didn’t want me to order any food there but when I suggested pizza he asked for “shrimp and hotdogs.” He only said it because he thought I was making him eat. He didn’t want any mention of his birthday but when his friends gave him a present he actually took each one of them out of the “present” and looked at them. I have to remember that even if someone is meeting us someplace I have to try to not tell him plans besides the things he knows because it’s too hard on him. Someone dropped their sock on the trampoline and it almost caused him to have a huge meltdown. I was able to calm him and gave him a few more minutes but I knew it was time to go. Every experience is an opportunity for growth. I have to remind myself that he is navigating the waters that are already in motion for him. We left in the middle of the rain. I prayed that we could get to the car without a meltdown as he picked up each leg a little higher to see the “dots” on his jeans as he walked. Thankfully we got home and the rest of the day was filled with food and fun and exhaustion. He took his bath and he was out quickly. Tomorrow he wants to go bowling again. As he says, “we will see.” I’m thankful for his laughter and his progress is what I focus on. Be kind to the heart of people because their story is not always written on their face. Smiles to all and donut daze!
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