We recently went to the mall with Anna for Elsie Jane’s first birthday, Aunt Anna. The idea was to get her a Build a Bear at the store in Somerset Mall. There are only a few malls that offer this store so we met the family there for the event.
Parking in this mall can be very difficult. There are few handicap spots that offer the extra room for the wheelchair lift. We happened to get lucky and I found a spot right near the doors and with easy access. It was astonishing. I mean I usually have to circle at least two to three times to find it.
As soon as we entered the mall we were greeted with sweet people who actually noticed we had a young adult in a wheelchair and they promptly opened the door for us, they held both the outside and the inside doors. I find this so helpful and so welcoming. We had good results while waiting for the elevator as well. I usually don’t visit this mall during the busy shopping season of Christmas.
We found Build a Bear and this brought back many memories. It seemed like only a few years ago I was taking Gabrielle there to make bear. She got Elsie her bear which is a special regular brown bear and they pay however old they are for the bear. So she paid one dollar. But as you know, the accessories are what adds up. Gabrielle even came up to me and said she understood why I was hesitant to take her often as she told me she was surprised how much the accessories cost. It was great to hear your adult child understand the limitations when they were being raised. A good feeling for a parent.
I noticed two other families with children with special needs, you know Warrior families. It is a glance and a connection with no words. We look at each other, we give off an invisible strength and comradery in those moments. I often wonder if their child can walk. I then think if they are walking how does their day go? Are they able to live in more normalcy? Do they park in a handicapped spot? I would honestly like to talk to all of them. Instead we just exchange expressions. I’m always glad that the world is so much better now with this population than in the 1950s. We live in a better age, most of the time with people who are helpful.
The day wrapped up and Elsie got her bear and Paul got his Legos. We made our way home and it was another moment in time. Another monumental event.
So glad you all were able to have these happy moments.
🙂