I'm Sorry - Day 4

We walked into the Magic Kingdom ready for the Christmas party.  What I didn't plan on was the bombardment of people sitting / standing / crowding Main Street preparing for the shows and parade. I couldn't even step inside the park without my blood pressure jumping... I just knew we were in for trouble.

The family met us at the big Christmas tree just inside the park.  We took one big family photo and then the DeYoungs and Ray & Bev headed off to find their place for the night's events.

I'm not gonna lie... I teared up.  I was overwhelmed and needed time to make a plan, unsure of how this night would play out, and disappointed to be separated from the family.  

I received the following text moments later... "I'm so sorry".

At first, I wasn't sure how to take it.  But while writing my response I found great peace in our situation and what needed to happen next.  Here's what I wrote back:

"We knew it was a tough night for Sammy but wanted to give the family the experience in spite of that.  We love her to pieces.  Loving someone comes with pluses and minuses. But we love them anyway... I know you get that, but it's ok to remember :).  We take the bad with the awesome!   Yup tonight was tough.  But we stick together and make memories wherever we land..."

And that is what we did.  Life doesn't always go the way we plan.  Especially with autism, we need to be flexible and make accommodations as needed.  BUT... memories are made even in the unplanned moments and love shows up in unexpected places!  

It was a great night in spite of it all!