I Got Me Some Super Powers, How About You?

An awesome autism mom, and a woman I'm so happy to be able to call my friend posted this on facebook, and I loved it so much, I just had to share it with y'all:

So maybe you're not Spiderman (though wouldn't those webs come in handy sometimes?) You still have senses and abilities far more developed than those of the average parent. Your senses tingle when something is wrong with your child, long before anybody else notices a difference. With your X-ray vision, you see through inaccurate diagnoses and inadequate treatments; with your superior strength, you blast through red tape and past ineffectual bureaucrats to get your child what he or she needs; with your lightning speed, you swoop in to keep your child out of trouble. Like many a superhero, you can't always explain to mere mortals how you know what you know. But as Peter Parker himself learned, with great power comes great responsibility.

This rings especially true for me tonight.

I witness a security guard catch two eleven year old boys shoplifting.  ELEVEN YEARS OLD!!!  And what, you may ask, were these two little boys trying to steal?  I sure hope you're sitting down for this...

CONDOMS.

As a parent of a ten year old boy, I'm a little freaked out.  There's no way I'm allowing my child to have sex at this age, and there's no way I'd let my babe out of my site long enough for him to run to a store and shoplift, never mind be alone with a girl.  My question to these little boys' parents is:  "Where are you?  Why are you allowing your eleven year old to run around the city alone?"

Now keep in mind, the boys are only eleven years old.  I'm hoping that sex was not on their minds, and perhaps they figured blowing them up or filling them with water to see what happens may be a fun pass time.

I know, I know, I know...  I'm judging, something I really have no business doing.  I need to let God do His job as I'm busy enough with the responsibilities He's given me.  But I can't help but feel horrible for these little boys.  They don't stand a chance in this world.  The sickest part to me was the first little boy's parents, who had no respect for the security guard, swore at him, grabbed their boy roughly and shoved him out of the store.

My heart aches for these two little boys.  What I would give to be able to have more children, and to see others have no respect for the children they've been blessed with and others around them breaks my heart.

I can not imagine letting my babe loose out in the city.  I'd be worried sick about him.  While I understand that Dayton is not neurotypical, and perhaps if he was I may see things differently, as a parent, I can't let my beloved babe out of my sight.  I just can't do it.  Maybe I baby Dayton too much, maybe I shouldn't hover over him all the time, perhaps I'm over protective and should cut the umbilical cord so to speak.  I'm not ready, and I don't think he is either.  I don't think any child at eleven years old is responsible enough to handle this crazy city on their own.

Not only do I worry about Dayton not being responsible, but I worry about predators out there that would take advantage of a young boy his age.  Am I crazy?  Overprotective?  I know my step daughter thinks I'm nuts, and says she could never live with me because I'm overprotective...  She's 15 going on 30, and no, I don't think it wise that she walk around a big city by herself.  Sue me.  There's some real sickos out there.

It was a cold day today, but during my split shift, I sat outside and froze my face off while Dayton played hockey with his friend.  I watched the boys, made sure they were safe and even though I would have preferred to stay indoors where it was nice and warm, I enjoyed the boys' laughter and relished in their fun.  Their smiles made enduring the cold all worth it.  And they boys didn't mind having me around either.  I think they actually liked having me there.



Consider yourselves hugged,

Lou