Field Trip

Ed. Note:  Bear with me, today I’m just bragging.

          This past Sunday morning, Zach and I took a trip to Washington, DC.

          This sounds like a simple sentence, an unremarkable declaration. It would be, except this is the first overnight mini-vacation Zach has had in five years, (excluding Irene, which I consider a forced evacuation). Our last sojourn was actually to stay with the same friend we stayed with this time, back when she only had one child, just seven months older than mine.

          It was a wonderful few days, with the kids getting along spectacularly (as one-year-olds are wont to do), and I fully planned on returning a few months later for a follow-up.

          Then autism struck. My usually garrulous toddler was rendered almost mute, stopped sleeping, and became plagued with on average a dozen bouts of diarrhea daily. He suffered terribly. Trips, and even the merest thought of one, were put on hold indefinitely.

          I will admit it was with some trepidation that I committed to going, as Zach, although wonderful, can be extremely impulsive and “active”. It’s one thing when you view those behaviors at your own house. It’s another entirely when you’re staying in someone else’s home, with young and impressionable children.

          Turns out, I need not have perseverated.

          Although he loved visiting the Air and Space Museum, and seeing the masterful taxidermy at the Museum of Natural History, the best part of the break for my son was playing with his newfound friends. Of course there were cases of the “sillies”, and a few necessary time-outs. But my son, who normally is not the most flexible of individuals, handled everything with grace. 

          Different rules at this house?  No problem. Time for bed even though you’re in the midst of an epic battle?  Not an issue. Post-dinner TV won’t feature your favorite show?  What’s to talk about?  Zach, who likes change about as much as I enjoy a bikini wax, handled it all beautifully.

          I’m hoping this newfound spontaneity comes with us back to Jersey.

          Even before I had kids I longed to travel with them (I was the crazy teacher who actually loved field trips), and although we take frequent excursions to the beach and have conquered Philadelphia several times, I had envisioned more outings. Therapy, my husband’s frequent travels, the demands of raising another child with severe autism, and yet more therapy have precluded the execution of this dream.

          Now however life is calmer, and my son rocks this travel thing. The sky’s the limit (can’t wait for Disney!).

          So this post is for you Zach. For bending to the rules of others. For the spontaneous hug bestowed upon a crying child. For playing so nicely with your new friends.

          For being your fabulous self.

          For Zach- I love you, and I’m just so darn proud.