We went to Disneyland over Thanksgiving break. We drove down on a Saturday and went to Disneyland with everyone on Sunday. Eric and Kyle rode the bus back and we stayed for one more day. The trip was sort of a success. You may not want to ask Fred. It is difficult going to places with Sarah and it seems to become more and more difficult. She wants to rule everyone and everything we do on our trip. O.K. don't we all want to do that? We just know better or try to know better.
One of the things I noticed about Sarah is that she tries to make friends with everyone she meets. I always tease that she tries to join other families. She clearly does not have the social cues that most of us contain. It seems to be the autistic spectrum disorder that most do not understand. She will try to make eye contact with everything and say "HI" very awkwardly. I guess it wasn't a huge deal when she was little, but seems odd now that she is eleven.
She talked to one little girl for 45 minutes in the Radiator Springs Racers. I tried monitoring what she was talking about and eventually just gave up and started talking to the girl's mom. They were very nice. We met another man in line that was going to the park by himself and he teased Sarah about going back to the end-of-the-line. She eventually gave up talking to him. We met another girl on the last day of our trip. We were getting ready to board the bus to go back to the parking garage. We walked-up and a twenty-something girl was wearing this big turkey hat. Sarah thought it was hilarious and started talking to her. Of course, she asked her to play the turkey hat over and over. It played a song and danced around. She continued talking with the girl and we learned it was her birthday. How sad? She went to the park by herself on her birthday. I wished we would of met her earlier. Sarah would of hung out with her all day. We also found out that her mom passed away when she was 11 (Sarah's age) and she always goes back on her birthday in remembrance of her mom. I was so grateful for Sarah that her awkwardness encouraged us to talk to this girl. I was thankful that girl had someone to talk to that day even though it was the end of her day at Disneyland by herself. I'm remembering these sweet moments as Sarah had a huge meltdown today and had a 45 minute outburst. I took her in the car and she hit, pinched, cussed, and screamed in my ear for 45 minutes. I do not know what to do during those times, but I choose to sit hear and reflect on some great moments we had this week. I choose to hope we can mend differences that everyone feels about Sarah's condition. I pray we can come together to just love her as each of us do.
I will continue to have hope for Sarah's future. God knows her path and the plans he has for her and our family. Please keep Jesus in your thoughts this Christmas Season and slow down to remember the moments no matter how small they may be.
Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
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