The Start of Something Wonderful

Andrew is what we, in the world of DS, call a 'runner'. Not in the true sense of the word, the physical act of moving one's legs at a higher rate of speed as to propel themselves more rapidly through their environment, but in the sense of walking away from one's caregiver and not coming back when beckoned to do so.

If left unattended outside for more than 3 seconds Andrew would throw caution to the wind and head for the hills. He's done it many times. Down the driveway he goes. I can call him back but I'm really only wasting my breath because he ignores me. Luckily, our driveway is about 1/4 mile long and it's pretty easy to spot him and retrieve him.

While attending one of his biggest brother's high school football games my little traveler walked the school's track. Twice. That's 1/2 a mile, for those of you who aren't sure. He was a man on a mission and would not be deterred, even by the promise of a snack. He would've finished the whole mile but the game had ended and it was time to go home.

He's not very trustworthy in wide open spaces.

Today, however, was a different story. One that still has me scratching my head and wondering: why now? and: how long will this last?

Andrew and I took a trip to Walmart this morning. Normally, because of his desire to head for the border if given an inkling of a chance, I carry him through the parking lot and stick him in the cart as soon as we enter the store. Today I didn't. We had a bit more time to kill today and I thought- what the heck, we'll see what happens. I had the cart as back-up if things started going south. (get it? head for the border....going south....I made a funny!!)

I allowed Andrew to hold my hand and walk through the parking lot today. He protested fiercely at first but, when reminded that the alternative was being carried by mom, he wised up and was happy to hold my hand. We had a brief setback upon entering the store. He broke free when I reached for a cart and headed, full steam ahead, into the store without me. I caught up to him and reminded him that he needed to stay by mom or he'd get a free ride in the seat of the cart.

My little wonder walked beside me for almost 45 minutes as we browsed the merchandise. Every so often he'd get the urge to take off but, with a gentle reminder of where he should be (beside me), he always returned to my side.

I was awestruck by my youngest son. Again.