Spring break was pretty amazing with Dawson. At times it can be VERY difficult to take Dawson to places where you are supposed to be civilized such as restaurants and quiet places. We usually hang out at places like Wal-Mart, Dick’s, Pet Smart, Best Buy, Church….. However, I decided to venture out in Ellijay and take him with me to get a Barbecue sandwich at the new Shane’s Rib Shack. I ordered the “Big Dad” pork sandwich for ME! I noticed as Dawson and I were sitting in the booth He kept looking at my sandwich, so finally I handed it to him and he ate the entire thing. After eating 3/4 of my sandwich he signed “more” so I bought him another $4.95 sandwich and he ate almost the whole thing. One thing about autism is that many children like sticking to the same things “routine”. Dawson eats only red popsicles out of the box, oreos, Ruffles cheddar & sour cream chips, Vanilla wafers, Cheerios and few other things at home. When Dawson is at school He eats rather well and has been known to eat a lot. 
Home is different it can be a real struggle to get him to eat anything. Since we have been back from spring break we have spent plenty of money at The Shane’s in Loganville. He has had pork every day sometimes more than once. It will be interesting to see how long his appetite for pork stays around.
When I got home from work tonight Dawson grabbed my hand and wanted me to chase him around the house and wrestle with him on the bed. As we were rolling around on the bed laughing and playing his eyes were looking directly into mine and the thought crossed my mind “some days just feel normal!”
From Dawson’s teacher
Mr. Shelton I read your blog about Dawson at Shane’s. I am so glad that you didn’t keep things the same. In my experience a rigid routine only encourages rigidity, but exposure encourages exploration. Just think, if you hadn’t gone to Shane’s you wouldn’t have ever found out that Dawson likes their Rib sand. He gotten so much better about trying foods. Dawson is about to embark on yet another experience at school. As you know we are rehearsing for our end of the year Play. We are wearing costumes and the entire bit. Dawson is not crazy about the idea but, you would be surprise how well he’s coping. I’m so proud of Dawson.
Mrs. Nyeamde’
By: Jody Shelton on April 18, 2009
at 6:10 pm
Jody,
I work with your brother at Concord. I think he’s probably mentioned that I have a 10 yr old son diagnosed with MR, autism, and hearing loss. He is my VERY special little fella, but very much a FULL time job. I know exactly what you meant about it being difficult to take Dawson out to restaurants and such. I nodded my head in agreement at your comment about that. Sometimes it’s just nice to know that others KNOW what you know.
I just wanted you to express that this particular blog really touched my heart. Yes, some days are “just normal”, huh? I have more MOMENTS that are “just normal’ than whole days, but I’ll take those as well.
I know what that “look” looks like…the one he gave you when he looked straight at you and for a moment you felt all was right and “normal” between the two of you. I have those with my boy too. They make your heart go pitter patter. We crave that connection from them that is so rare. We want to be a part of their world and them to be a part of ours. There always seems to be a thin veil that’s hard to penetrate between our two worlds, but we have to keep trying.
BTW…my boy eats like that too…as in he can consume a lot at one sitting. *smile* I have to buy the “huskey” britches for him now..if you know what i mean.
Thanks for sharing. I’m glad John pointed me in your direction. I’ll be looking forward to seeing what else you have to share while you’re on this journey. This journey is painful, but there are joys that come also…when you least expect them. And yes, there are days that are “just normal”. And sometimes I think I’m more thankful for those than the highs that one of those “joys” brings.
“Normalcy” is a good thing. “Normalcy” is a peaceful thing.
Lorrie
By: Lorrie on April 20, 2009
at 1:53 pm