Dinner and a Movie

Bradley had his first date with someone other than Mom or Dad. I know, at 11? Really? Kind of pushing these kids at a young age right?  

Yeah well, no way was I about to say No.  

“Paw Patrol” came out at the end of summer. I was vaguely aware but didn’t think much of it. Turns out, Madison put a lot of thought into it, and a lot of planning. 

I’m folding laundry and Madison walks into the living room and tells me she wants to take Bradley to see the movie. And I tell her that’s cool, but I’m not sure if he’s up to a whole movie at a movie theater, they’d probably have to leave early and all that. And then we got talking about other things and off we went. 

Fast forward a couple days, she has her next schedule and she tells me her next day off and she wants to take Bradley to the movie. I asked if she was sure, and her reply was “Of course.”  

Every day she comes in from work, she gives Bradley big hugs and they usually snuggle some, and she was always telling him, “You and Mei-Mei are going to the movie, are you excited?”

Bradley always said Yes, although I’m not sure he understood that they were going to go somewhere together or he just loves his movie so much, just hearing the word movie makes him happy. But eventually, the big day arrived. She got his bag together, he kissed me and told me good-bye, and she led led him out the door. His smile was HUGE! And when she put him in his seat in her car, he was giggling he was so excited. 

She said he was a little unsure about the movie theater, but he recognized the big cutout ad for “Paw Patrol” and once they got to the theater, he was both nervous and excited by the sound and darkness. But for the first time ever, Bradley sat through a whole movie in a movie theater. He has been in other theaters, but usually asleep for part of the movies - like when he was a baby. Or the special screenings where it is quieter and not so dark. Nope, this was a typical screening and he was engaged until the last ten minutes or so, where he was getting a little antsy, but he made it! And he enjoyed it! 

They had nuggets and fries after, because it’s kind of the perfect date meal.  And then she brought him home. He was excited and tired when he got home; after all, it was a huge deal for him. It was a lot to ask to not only watch the movie, but to be out alone with his sister and being such a big boy. No behaviors or accidents, no running, yelling or hitting. Just acting like a perfect little gentleman. I was so proud of him. And happy for her. Madison did something with Bradley that was special of their time together but also a big milestone for him. So very exciting!

My little boy is growing up. And even more, the work we have put in to understand him and to be able to communicate with him has led to this amazing opportunity for him to experience something fun an exciting just like any other typical kid. And Madison opened the door for him on that. She knew going in that he might not be able to do it; but she did it anyway, and together we made sure he would have all the tools he needed to support him in this new adventure. 

So yeah, my son had his first dinner and a movie date with one of his all time most favorite people in the world.  They’re definitely mutual fans for each other, he’s one of her favorites and she is one of his. Movie date a huge success! My girl definitely knew that her brother was ready for this before his parents did that’s for sure. So glad she as willing to try! 

Can’t wait for the next kid movie to take him too!

31For21 Blog Challenge for Down Syndrome Awareness and Acceptance. Nothing like the bonds (and sometimes the fights) between siblings!  ❤️