I didn't include it at first, in my attempt to protect her and spare the details but for preservation sake, I'll share it here. I cannot type out the whole story... First because it took hours to play out and second because as I look back, much is a blur.
Autism can do terrible things to our kids sometimes... An airplane tends to bring out the worst in mine. But this plane brought comfort and hope as well, and I pray I never forget. Here's my best summary.
We had prepped Sammy that she would have to watch two full length movies for this flight which was scheduled to last four hours. As soon as we settled into our seats, Sammy started her first movie. After the 30 minutes of boarding and prep and another 30 minutes of waiting on the runway, we only had 15-30 minutes left in the movie. It was then that I realized the battery had died on her noise canceling headphones. I knew right then that it was coming...
I tried every tactic I know: soft talking, squeezes, distractions, threats... Nothing would combat the throwing, kicking, and screaming, shrieking, pounding on the windows, "get me out of here!"
I frantically waved for Scott to come forward from his seats in the back. He arrived at our row, we made eye contact... His eyes were wide and helpless as he stared at the mess. He prepped the headphones for if / when she calmed down. He took the customs paperwork that I had intended to complete and then was asked to return to his seat. I felt so helpless.
But through the prayers of so many, God was there... The man seated in our row spoke words of comfort to me thoughout the episode "she's the most important person on this flight right now, don't worry about any one else" "you just take care of her" "she's doing fine". "Let her lie on the floor, they (stewardesses) have to understand that this is special circumstances". Kept repeating "special circumstances" and emphasizing how much I love her and how important she is. It was amazing... I've never had someone be so supportive. I had tears in my eyes as his words washed over me. On different occasions he even stopped to tell the surrounding passengers and flight attendants that she has autism and everything is just fine... She just needs a minute. I cannot tell you how blessed I was by this man, and am completely convinced it was by God's provision he was there. The worst of it last 15 minutes or so... Which seems like hours. When I finally had the chance to check the time, I realized we still had two hours left in flight. Oh no.
Sammy laid on the floor for quite a while, eventually transitioned to lying across our two seats, then on my lap (you never realize how tiny the seats are in coach until you sit with an eight year old on your lap). And finally she transitioned back to her seat and watched the time timer count down the final 30 minutes. Sweet Sammy was back as we landed.
She was tired and very fragile but she had made it.
As we continue to raise the bar and challenge her I know that we can expect more meltdowns, more tantrums in the sky. But as long as God continues to provide, we will proceed... Cause today, despite how it looked from the outside, my girl accomplished much!
As we continue to raise the bar and challenge her I know that we can expect more meltdowns, more tantrums in the sky. But as long as God continues to provide, we will proceed... Cause today, despite how it looked from the outside, my girl accomplished much!
Thank you for your prayers!
