As I stood at the ticket window for Alligator Adventure in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I prepared to pay for our family’s admission. I approached the clerk with a smile, saying, "Two adults and two children, please.”
The clerk looked at Brantley, who sat beside me in his wheelchair stimming with the chew cord in his hands and responded with a warm smile, “Two adults and one child, he is our guest today.”
To them, it was a simple gesture—one admission, no cost. To me, it was so much more.
It was a moment of validation and recognition. Brantley’s autism often means he faces challenges that others might not grasp. His journey through life involves navigating a world that isn’t always designed with him in mind.
As his parents it feels like we are always on the edge, always having to explain, always hoping for understanding. But here, in that small act of kindness, there was a rare moment of affirmation.
That day, Brantley wasn’t just another guest. He was seen. He was valued. And for me, that was everything. It was a reminder that there are places and people out there who understand the unspoken struggles and who offer compassion in the most unexpected ways.
As we walked through the gates to the sight of those first Alligators, Brantley’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and I felt a profound sense of relief and gratitude. It wasn’t just about the admission fee—it was about the message behind it.
Thank you, Alligator Adventure, for seeing Brantley not just as another child, but as someone worthy of your kindness and consideration. Your gesture was a reminder of the goodness in the world, a beacon of hope in our ongoing journey. It reaffirmed that we are not alone and that there is always room for kindness and understanding.
That day, you didn’t just offer free admission; you gave Brantley a precious gift—the gift of feeling seen, understood, and welcomed. For that, we are deeply grateful. #autismfamily #autismlife #autismparents #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsparents
Comments