Mindy and Max's True Life

We’ve got a free day from school this weekend so we are taking to the road (well, actually just about 25 minutes up the road) to the colorful, crowded and semi-annoying Key Lime Cove Water Park in Gurnee. We’ve given this one a try before about a year ago. My parents took Max and me for the weekend, a much needed weekend. Before the car was packed the anxiety had already begun. Not Max……Me. The questions were streaming through my mind: “How will he act? Will he do that screaming thing? Will he stay at my side or run away and get lost in the crowd? Will he do that thing were he runs into the walls and hit’s himself in the face? “. This happens every time we go somewhere. I feel anxious, nervous and my palms sweat.  Especially to someones  home. We often have play dates and dinners over at our dear friends and neighbors house and I feel my shoulders start to rise and stay hunched up near my ears as we walk to their house. The entire time we are there I am on edge, watching his every his every move, using the phrase “No, Max” over and over it becomes so redundant. This phenomenal friend of mine also is raising a child with sensory needs and always seems so cool, she’s always telling me not to worry even though last year Max knocked down and broke part of a treasured collection of hers she didn’t even break a sweat. She’s a wonder and I don’t know how she does it. Maybe she will grace us with some words of wisdom.

So we are off. Car is packed, Books, DVD’s, Lego’s are packed. Squeezing toys, tug of war rope, tight feety pajama’s and heavy blankets are in the car, ready to help when we need a sensory break. BTW: Sometimes Max takes sensory breaks by doing wall push ups and jumping jacks when he gets too “Mr. Jumpy” (our code word for the ADHD), and it’s been working well. Wish us lock. Have a great weekend everyone!

One more thing:  I just got a note on Facebook from a friend which says the following, please pass it on and never forget it:

Sometimes you just need to hear it… You are a phenomenal woman, a beautiful mother, doing an extraordinary job, making things happen for those you love, and although you might not always think about it, you are loved and appreciated!

Love,

Mindy & Max