Day 32
The back door was locked. Josiah turned the knob once to let himself in. When it didn’t budge, he plopped to the ground, as if standing a second for us to unlock it was too exhausting.
What has happened to our bouncy boy? If you know anything about Josiah you are well aware he has always had an incredible amount of energy, preferring to bounce, bounce, bounce from one place to the next. At times he has even aptly been described as ‘vibrating’. Not so much anymore.
I am by no means complaining. Rather, just curious about the exaggerated difference we’ve noticed in him. It’s a pleasant change really.
Yesterday we went out to eat and took Josiah with us. I truly can’t remember the last time we took him to a restaurant. We’ve learned over the years to avoid the over stimulation and lengthy waits that often accompany such outings. Best to leave Josiah at home with a caregiver in his much more comfortable, predictable environment. He’s happy. We’re happy. It works for everyone.
However, yesterday being Mother’s Day, I wanted him with us. His siblings were a little gun shy, though troopers about the whole thing, really. I often try to put myself in their shoes, imagining what I would have felt during my teen years in similar situations. They’ve endured a lot. They have experienced more than their fare share of embarrassing public displays with Josiah. It’s not easy for Rick and I, though as his parents, we are often unaffected by the stares and glares of others. For them, I dare to say, its agonizing.
When we got to the restaurant, the kids and I went in first to request a table. While we waited inside, Rick stayed with Josiah just out front in the van. Smart move. It was rather crowded with constant motion all around. We asked for a table outside, in the covered area, further away from the hustle and bustle and noise.
We ordered our food, including Rick’s and Josiah’s and then called for them to join us as the salads were being served. It couldn’t have been more perfect. Our table was at the very end of the patio, just a few feet away from the side steps. Rick was able to walk Josiah along the outside of the building, bypassing the lobby congestion, right up the steps to our table. We positioned Josiah between Rick and I on the side of the table with a long padded bench seat. Instinctively, I removed everything from in front of him, as Josiah sat down.
It’s always best to keep that boy actively engaged to eliminate potential problems. I quickly shoveled a forkful of Caesar Salad his direction. He gobbled it up. When mine was gone, Rick shared his. Then the entrees arrived. Josiah was a perfect gentleman. He ate well. He stayed in his seat. He didn’t clear the table or knock over a chair. He was smiley and happy.
When we ordered dessert, Rick escorted Josiah back down the steps and out to the van. Josiah was just beginning to get a little sloppy, sprawling out in his seat, trying repeatedly to put his head in my lap and his legs up on Rick’s lap. We figured things had gone so well, we didn’t want to push it too much further.
What a wonderful Mother’s Day. We had a really nice family meal together, WITH Josiah. We were so thrilled with his appropriate behaviors, we praised him over and over. Who knows if it will work again the next time. We’ve learned every day is different with Josiah.
Father’s Day is right around the corner. If it doesn’t work, there’s always fast food!