It’s coming up!
Soon, my son will be going away to a camp with Easter Seals. It will be his first time away from us without a family member or family friend present.
It will also be my first time to let him go. I’m a little nervous, and a little excited. I’m also wishing that the weekend was totally free otherwise, since my older son will be working. Free time with the hubster! What would we do?
My husband and I told Philip about this, preparing him in advance. I wasn’t sure how he’d react.
This is how our conversation went:
“Philip, you’re going on a vacation! Without us!”
“Oh, you mean, with Josh?”
“Nope, Josh is working. You will go all by yourself.”
“But how? I can’t drive!”
“We’ll drop you off, then pick you up when it’s over. You’ll be gone two nights.”
“Oh.”
Pause.
Then he said, “Well, sorry Josh and Margaret and Mom and Dad, I am going somewhere else to live!” He didn’t sound upset about this at all.
We said, “Only for the weekend!”
We proceeded to talk about camp, the fun he’ll have, and how we can hardly wait to hear about it when we pick him up. He was smiling the whole time.
Seems like the parents aren’t the only ones looking forward to Philip’s independence. He’s excited, too.
The weekend of camp will be a busy weekend for the rest of us. I’m speaking at my church, Josh is working, I have a Wildtree party. It’s supposed to be a “respite” weekend, but I have a feeling that I’ll be very tired. However, it’s good that he won’t have to deal with all the busy-ness, and he’ll be off having fun. And maybe my husband and I can sneak in a date, as we will celebrate 12 years of wedded bliss!
Autism From the Lighter Side 
Posted by Michelle on May 4, 2011 at 5:40 pm
This is wonderful!!! Congratulations on 12 years of biss!! I wish Philip lots of fun on his vacation!!
Posted by Elizabeth G. on May 4, 2011 at 7:41 pm
Thanks, Michelle! He got a packet today, and is responsible for filling out a “get acquainted form” in his own handwriting, in his own words. Should be interesting!