Flying High...walking proud

3 nights a week, I pick Jared up from his pizza shop job before heading home for our family dinner. While I used to feel a bit put out that I had to go get him in the middle of making dinner, lately I've come to like that few minutes. I go early,park where I can see the entrance, and wait for Jared to come out. And when he comes out, he does the same thing every time and I watch, just for a few seconds. I watch as he navigates his world, assesses his situation, scans the lot looking for me. My hand hovers above the horn, because as soon as I beep, he will look left then right before striding out into the parking lot. I hesitate because I pretend, just for a moment that he is on his own, that he is like the scads of young men and women who go to work, get that  paycheck, sighing with relief when the clock says it's time to go. When he doesn't see me, he reaches for his phone. I beep, because I want him to know I'm there. He sees me, hikes his backpack up onto his shoulder and walks out to my car. But he doesn't just walk; he sort of dances, some might call it a strut, yes a strut, definitely. As our eyes meet, I smile because I'm not quite ready for him to be on his own, but I'll get there. It will happen, sooner rather than later. The nice thing is, it will happen, and then I will fondly remember our pre-dinner rides back to the house, heads bopping in unison to whatever song comes from the radio.  He still needs me now, but each day brings him closer to that time when he will walk out of work, and head home on his own.
Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month to all of you...