When You Can't Get A Break

 I used to blog all the time. I have a lot of thoughts and sometimes it's easier to get them out if I write and *edit* (ok sometimes I don't edit it). 

So as most people that might read this know I am a mom of three boys. My middle child Miles is on the Autism Spectrum and non-speaking. He turned 15 this year... and let me tell you his experience with ASD and puberty has been very tough. I don't even know what it is, hormones probably, but it has been difficult. Without going into too much detail (because that is rude to him), meltdowns and self injuries have been extreme since January of this year. At school, at home and more recently in public. 

We recently got back from Disneyland. We were supposed to go in 2020 but that was cancelled due to a worldwide pandemic. I am still trying to recover from a rollercoaster of emotions from our trip. 

Day 1 was a travel day. I would say that's pretty typical except it wasn't. We drove to the airport, parked and had to make our way inside to check luggage, go through security and catch our flight to California. We had just made it to the doors to enter the airport when the first major meltdown or "freak-out" happened. Again because I wouldn't want people to share details about my issues I won't go into detail. Eventually I got it under control and our journey through the airport and the plane ride was fine even though I was already exhausted and high anxiety.

Day 2 we were at California Adventure Park. We met Mater and Lightning McQueen and spent most of the day in Cars Land. Avery (16) and Nolan (8) went of together to explore while Andrew Miles and I soaked up Cars Land. We stayed at the Grand Californian and had direct access to California adventure Park so we could also go back to the hotel. Later Miles and I went back to the park together and found a fun 'Inside Out' ride. It was a pretty nice day. So may cast members were the sweetest, recognizing Miles was on the spectrum. I want to cry tears of joy so many times. Not to mention the feeling when I approached Cars Land, it was unexplainable. I have probably watched the movie Cars more than any other movie in my entire life. 

Day 3 we had breakfast at the Storyteller Cafe. This is character dining. I want to hug the staff that decided to move us to a circle booth seeing Miles didn't want to sit in a chair. When the character "Chip" from Chip and Dale gave me a huge hug and then Mickey Mouse I almost lost it. I felt like they were telling me I was doing a great job with Miles. 

Then we went to Disneyland. Nolan wanted to ride the monorail so Miles and I said we would meet them in Disneyland. Miles loved Toon Land (also had one of the best sensory free spots. It was so loud in so many places). Then we went to Galaxy's Edge (Star Wars) and Miles loved seeing Kylo Ren and loved meeting Chewbacca. Eventually Miles and I went back to the hotel for a break. After awhile he said he wanted to go back to the California Adventure Park. That boy knew exactly how to get to Cars Land 😆. He decided he wanted to go on a ride (his third of the whole trip). When it was over, unfortunately he had a major freak-out event. Part of that included running from me. Once I got him a nice staff member asked if he wanted to ride again... that was "sweet" except I don't know if that was why he freaked out. Did he want to ride again? Did it make him feel bad? I don't know. Eventually when calm we walked back to the hotel. 

Day 4 - we went into the California Adventure Park for breakfast. Unfortunately my stomach became upset. So Miles and I went to the hotel. Avery's friend Evan and his family had also arrived at Disneyland so I didn't see him all day as he went to join Evan. Andrew and Nolan did their thing and Miles decided he was just going to watch Disney movies in the hotel. We didn't even leave for dinner. 

Day 5 - everything was good until we had to leave. I had to chase a screaming and running 15yr old through the halls of the hotel. The part where we caught the shuttle, got through the airport and on the plane was fine. We got to Denver and it was still fine until I took him to the bathroom, freak-out.