Interrupted

My Life Thus Far
2015-07-04 07:27:32 (UTC)

He WATCHED!

Holy shit, I'm tired. What a long day. Work, and then we took the kids to see the fireworks display down at the Poulsbo Waterfront. I don't know why it's on the 3rd and not the 4th, but it's always been that way.

When I got to work this morning, it was busy but not too crazy. I don't know what happened, but around 1:30pm it just exploded. It got ridiculous in there! It was a much different customer from the ones we've been having this week. Instead of wardrobing, I was doing a lot of servicing (opening fitting rooms, doing go backs, running to grab something). I don't like that. I prefer to actually help people. To use my expertise, not to just clean up after people. My numbers were good, because customers were acknowledging my assistance, but it wasn't like I was actually helping them find their perfect size. It wasn't my ideal day, but it was still good.

I got home around 7pm, and I REALLY didn't want to go to the fireworks display. The Poulsbo display is always a huge deal, but the waterfront park is so small. I don't even understand how they get that many people into the tight space that is that park. But Snookums told the kids we were going, and I am a woman to my word (I never tell the kids I'm going to do something and then turn around and not do it. If I'm not sure I'll be able to do it, I won't even tell them about it). We managed to find a pretty good spot on the boardwalk. We couldn't sit, but it was a front row view of the fireworks.

Keenan has sensory issues associated with his autism. He is very highly functioning. I don't even really tell people he's autistic, because I never want it to define him. He has no real disabilities or setbacks because of it. Just some lingering sensory and social stuff. He will live a normal life, and I feel that if I tell everyone he'll be treated differently. Anyhow, Keenan has never in his 7 years been able to tolerate fireworks. We go because the girls love them, and I don't think its fair to not go just because of Keenan. Usually, he sits in my lap with his head burrowed in my chest, under a blanket. I cover his ears and try to make him feel as calm and secure as possible. Well, this year he was determined to make it through a display like a man. He's on a "big boy/I'm a man" kick right now, and I try to support him as much as I can. Once the first couple went up, he threw himself at me, and I held him while covering his ears. One ear against my chest, my hand over the other ear. Usually, he'd become overwhelmed and start crying, but this year he WATCHED! The whole display! I almost cried, because that's huge for him! My baby is conquering his demons!

Tomorrow Old Mill Days is happening in Port Gamble, and that's my favorite 4th of July festivities. It's a quaint little fair, woodcarving, craft vendors, and a fireworks display. Keenan wants to go to see if he can be even more brave than he was tonight. I'm so proud of him.

I've got to get to sleep. I'm so tired, my eyes hurt.




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