going to the movies

For many years we didn't go to the movies. After my other son and I had to drag and restrain him in a chair, we decided it just wasn't worth it. Plus I might add, it was terribly embarrassing. Videos seemed to be the answer. In the comfort of our own home, Sam in his own world, we were quite content.

This past summer we decided to try it again after a 3 or 4 year absense. He got so worked up we thought it was another lost cause. When, all of a sudden, he said "it's too loud". My goodness! Was it that simple? We went to a Home Depot and got him some ear muffs that construction workers use. To our absolute delight, that was the fix! We were back in action! No more keeping us prisoners in our own home!

So today, I decided to take him and his one friend in our neighborhood to go see Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. We bought our tickets and he asked for his ear muffs. Once he had them on, he was happy as could be! His friend looked at me quite strange wondering what was going on. I told her that sound hurts him really badly and that these block out just enough of the sound. She seemed satisfied with that.

It is always a delight (sarcasm) to notice all of the other people looking at my son wondering why that kid is wearing ear muffs. I just look back and smile. I get tired of explaining to everyone about autism.

He sat on a booster seat which at 9 years old is not neccesary. But it makes him feel like a big kid. The great people behind us didn't make a big deal about it. They just moved over so they could see better. I assume they could figure out they weren't dealing with just any kid, this was the kid who was just trying to make things right in his world. Sometimes, people show you their hearts by the small and simple things they do that make all the difference to someone they don't even know.

I have had a great day with my ear muff wearing angel today and am thankful to good people in the world!