Today I took my big three and a half year old, Bethany girl shopping. Bethany also happens to have autism. This is the first time that we've ventured out on our own for clothes. You see, a few months ago, she would've freaked just walking into a new store. It could be the black mat, the tiled floors, the high ceilings, the lights...anything. She would cry, scream, want to be picked up, hide her head and throw a huge tantrum. She tried on jeans in a fitting room. That NEVER would've happened before. While walking on a sidewalk that had small squares stamped onto it, she started to tense up and I could see her fighting for control. "What's that, Mama?" "It's just a sidewalk with squares." She tightly gripped my hand, but calmly said, "Oh, okay."
When in the store, we usually get lots of attention. A white mama and a beautiful chocolate girl. Many people said today, "What's your name?" or "How old are you?". Nothing. My girl is looking around, smiling, unable to process what that means. So, I answer for her. These are the next things we're going to work on. It will come, I just know it.
When we got into the car, I asked her if she had fun. Her reply, "More shopping, please."
Thank you, Jesus.
8 comments:
What a beautiful story. You made me cry- What a blessing is your sweet girl. Great progress Mom! You are going to make an amazing difference in her life, L.
Bethie, you can have ALL of my shopping.
Sweet chocolate girl!! She is doing amazing! So is Momma!
That is amazing. I loved sitting on your living room floor sorting clothes and singing the Barney song with her. That's the first interaction we had.
What a sweetheart. What a great mommy.
Good job, Sheri.
What a GORGEOUS photo!
The CoffeeGirl and the ChocolateGirl out on the town.
She is lucky to have a Mamma like you. : )
What a beautiful photo! You're an encouragement to more people than you know. Thanks for sharing with us.
That was beautiful. Thanks for sharing this, Sheri. You are a wonderful mother to her.
Thank you Jesus. Amen!
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