Once when I was younger. I remember when mommy told me that we were going to the store. I asked why we had to go right now. She said, “Because I said so.” I waited a few moments and then I asked her again. If we could wait and go to the store later. She replied, “Because I said so.” Any other child would have taken the hint. But not me.
When she told me it was time to go. I was ready to ask her one more question. That’s when she just looked at me. All she had to do was look. Immediately, I put my clear jelly sandals on and got my butt in the car.
After we had been driving in the car. Out of the blue mommy told me that we were going to the store now because we would have company later. She said it in a manner that let me know that I should go with the flow and stop asking so many questions. I thought I will never tell me children “Because I say so” for an answer.
Last week I was driving home with the kids. For some reason Harrison was in the back seat with Sydney. He usually rides up front with me.
I told the kids that I wanted to take them out for dinner. Going out to eat is one thing that we enjoy doing as a family now. We don’t go out often. But when we do it is special.
When I told them we were going to Bahama Breeze for dinner. They both just looked at me. Harrison told me that Bahama Breeze was too fancy. And that we could just get Burger King or Red Robin. I am thinking don’t let the name fool you Harrison. Bahama Breeze isn’t a five star establishment.
Next, it was Sydney’s turn. She started asking for McDonalds and Buffalo Wild Wings. I’m thinking to myself. Will they just enjoy the ride and relax. I wanted to surprise them and take them to the mall after dinner. I know these outings are nothing fancy. But for Copher’s Community, it is like a trip to Disney.
I decided to keep driving. I was trying to get the kids excited about our outing on a school night. They just kept firing more questions at me. Finally Sydney said something and I yelled. “Because I said so. That’s why.”
Now I know exactly how my mommy felt. I was driving with my left hand and sprinkling Holy Water on them in the back seat with my right hand. When I looked in the rear view mirror. They were holding hands. I tried my best not to laugh.
Because I said so really works. Don’t get me wrong. I want my children to ask me questions. But sometimes just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. I am glad that Harrison and Sydney enjoy being at home. They don’t ask for much and are very appreciative.
While we were driving home. Harrison said that he was sorry that they hurt my feelings. I think my feelings were hurt. I have been trying to make it up to Harrison for years.
For all of the times that autism robbed us of a movie, party, shopping trip or family event. I was trying to make him forget the past and focus on the present. In the past there were many days that my answer was because I said so. Why are we moving to Delaware? “Because I said so.” This phrase was my get out of jail free card.
One day I realized my children were older and wiser. It was time for me to man up and that is exactly what I did.
A Woman's Work - Brooke Basically Blogging 