After the Great Halloween Disappointment, one would think I'd lay low today...but we're trying to get Jackson more involved in church youth group. We've been to a few functions and gatherings (remember the prayer service?). Tonight we went for some spooky fun, thinking, like usual if we need to make a fast escape everyone would understand.
When we first got there, they were reviewing the sign-up sheets for upcoming activities. One of them was an evening of shopping and cosmic bowling at Crazy Pins. When Jax heard about this he asked, "Can I go?" I told him we would sign him up. A few minutes later, he asked Wendy, "Can I go?" How exciting to have him aware and commenting appropriately.
Later, the kids were participating in a few activities related to Halloween. I was unsure how this would go, a bunch of kids, in the dark, random noises; basically a recipe for disaster for Jackson. Way too much unpredictability.
Wouldn't you know it? My son (who just yesterday had the meltdown of all meltdowns) got in line behind the kids and followed the group. He participated in the "ghost story" played like telephone--tolerated being sprayed with a squirt gun by Dr. E.B. and even wore a blindfold for the cauldron activity. Through out the night he was socially referencing his peers and once again, they accepted and included him. When the organized activities were over, he got his snacks and sat down. Then commented on the snacks: "Jackson's eating jello. The eyeball is a donut. Jackson is eating chips."
God must have known I needed tonight. Maybe, just maybe, Jax needed it too. He really enjoyed being with the kids and didn't want to leave until he was sure everyone else would be leaving. He was happy, relaxed and basically just enjoyed being there. Thanks be to God!
