So, we took the leap and decided to book a vacation.
Initially, I had grand plans for a trial run at my parents' house, a test to see if Brantley could handle sleeping away from his familiar bed. However, life had other plans, and that idea fell through. With summer rapidly approaching and rentals vanishing like the cold winter days, we made the decision to go for it.
This upcoming trip will mark Brantley's inaugural journey beyond the borders of Ohio, and let me tell you, my mind is spinning with a mixture of excitement and fear.
It's going to be his first encounter with a beach. I can already imagine the sheer joy he'll experience feeling the sand beneath his feet—the texture he craves so dearly. And oh, the laughter! I can almost hear the deep belly giggles that will echo along the shore as waves playfully dance around his toes.
But amidst the excitement, there are also fears lingering in the back of my mind. Since we got Brantley his safety bed, he's been sleeping like a log. I can't help but wonder if he'll be able to drift off peacefully without the comfort of his familiar surroundings. Or will he feel lost without his sanctuary, and become restless, anxious or manic?
And then there are the risks that come with a new environment. The potential for elopement and pica weigh heavily on my mind, casting a shadow of concern over our upcoming adventure. Yet, amidst the worries, I keep trying to remind myself that this trip will also present new opportunities for growth and cherished memories.
While our plans are still months away, my mind races with preparations. I'm already compiling a list of essentials to help Brantley adjust to a week away from home—a bed tent, a hammock chair, a portable fence, and yes, even a trampoline.
Before raising Brantley, the idea of someone packing a trampoline for vacation would have seemed outlandish. But here we are, navigating the twists and turns of parenting a child with Autism.
While our path and packing list may be unconventional, they are also full of love. As we prepare to embark on this adventure with our boys, complete with a trampoline in tow, I am reminded that parenthood is not always what we expect it to be. It can be unpredictable, challenging, and joyful, but it’s also where we truly discover the depth of our love.
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