Missing In Action

This is my Sean. He's going to be 8 on Sunday, but he's still my snuggle-bug. He's autistic, but very high functioning. He's atypical in that he's very snuggly and affectionate. He tells me how much he loves me all the time, and how beautiful I am (ah, how I need to hear that, especially in my old age.) He's a very independent child; a quiet, solitary player who still seems to be off in his own world a good portion of the time. He interacts well when we ask him too; but if left to his own devices, he's more than happy to play by himself. He's generally a very happy child.

And I forget that like any normal child, he misses me. Especially when he thinks I'm going to spend some time with him and then can't. I'd been telling him that I was going to be home all day Saturday. Then Saturday morning, a co-worker called. He had a family emergency and I need to go in and cover for him. That was my one day off. I was needed at work on Sunday, though that was planned.

So this morning, when it was time for school, Sean refused. Flat out refused to go. He was angry and defiant, very unusual for the boy who loves school. After 30 minutes of "I don't cares", I finally got him out the door and proceeded to literally drag him down the block. It was during that time that I finally figured out what the problem was. "Are you mad that Mommy had to work on Saturday and now you have to wait a week for my next day off?" "YES!" Ah, well I guess that made sense. He felt that I should take the day off work and he should get a "make up day".

If only the world were that simple. I would love nothing more than to take the day off work and spend it with my Sean. He is a fun, bright, loving, silly, energetic, wildly intelligent boy. I LOVE spending time with him, I never know what he's going to say or do. I can hardly wait til his birthday, Sunday, when I get to spend the full day with him and Skye. I already have plans for a movie and a few hours at Chuck E. Cheese (we're bringing our own gluten-free pizza!) This is what he said he wanted to do, so that's what we're doing. Afterall, it's his big day. And I may be one of those weird moms who actually likes Chuck E. Cheese. The noise and chaos doesn't even phase me... being the mom of 5, my home rivals their noise and chaos!

Sean got over his anger within minutes of being at school. I explained to his teacher what the problem was, so he could be understanding with Sean's behavior (it's very understandable that he'd be upset.) He has an AWESOME teacher, really just the perfect fit for Sean. He came home with a fantastic daily behavior report - not a hint of his morning difficulties. And he had all kinds of exciting things to tell me about school today.

Kids are so resilliant. I just have to remember that he's not invincible. He still needs his Mommy.