Elephants, Tigers & camels?

Seven years ago, I was 8 months pregnant with Callahan, and we decided to take Jax to the circus with another family. It was probably one of my lowest points in parenthood. Here was this precious 5 year old boy who literally, just could not filter all the sensory input the show offered. He did his best, and he so obviously wanted to be there, but he just was not able to assimilate all the sights and sounds of the circus. He would leave the arena and watch from the hallway, peeking out over the steps into the lights and sounds, clearly distraught. He was torn between wanting to see the show, but knowing it was more than he could handle. We ended up leaving; me carrying an upset tearful boy away from the coliseum, fighting back tears myself. It was a heartbreaking painful reminder of just how not "normal" our family was.

Fast forward, 6 years...Jax goes to the circus with his 5th grade class, (dad in tow)and is able to filter and enjoy all the chaos that a circus has to offer. We were pleased beyond words that, finally, our son could enjoy a childhood treasure: the circus.

Armed with that experience under our belts, we bought tickets to the circus and went as a family last night. Jax seemed a bit confused at first, referencing going with 'the kids', but quickly adapted to a "family fun night". Once we got our seats, Jax began a litany "elephants, tigers, and camels". I wondered where he got the idea that there would be camels at the circus. He repeated his litany at least twenty times through out the show, he had to be sure he wouldn't miss anything. We got our popcorn and overpriced dippin' dots and souvenirs and we sat together as a family and marveled at the circus. Quietly, inside, I marveled at my son. A boy who doesn't realize all that he has to work against; who doesn't comprehend the why's and how's of the world. A boy who has courage to keep trying and stretching himself to new experiences.

We got a piece of that figurative puzzle back last night. We were able to enjoy the circus as a family in a "normal" way we at one time thought never possible.