On Saturday, we road-tripped to a wonderful place, Adventure Aquarium. Both kids had an amazing time, but I was especially thrilled to see how excited Max was. He ran right into the aquarium, dragged us from room to room, and basically had the time of his life.
Up until Max was four or so, we literally could not take him to places like this. He wigged out from the sensory overload—the noise, the crowds, the hustle and bustle. He’d whine, cry and just beg to leave. It bummed me out; I so wanted him to enjoy museums and puppet shows and all the “regular” stuff kids do. I ached for him to.
Back then, I thought he’d always be that way. When you’re in the throes of dealing with your child’s issues, it’s very hard to realize that he or she may, in fact, grow out of some of them. It’s like you’re stuck in one of those snowglobes and flakes are madly swirling everywhere. You’re trying to get them under control, but you can’t. And you can’t see beyond them. You feel as if you’re always going to live in that world.
I am no longer living in that snowglobe.
Max has progressed in many ways. Whenever we go to a place like this and he acts this way, I am grateful. I think I always will be. Every parent loves seeing their kids enjoy themselves, but it is extra sweet to experience joy that you never thought could happen.
Know what I mean?
Ellen blogs for 5MFSN every Monday, and daily over at To The Max.