A Simple Trip to the Grocery Store

Trips to the grocery store. Simple right?

Well, this mama didn’t know if we’d ever be able to successfully visit one.

Groceries stores are loud. And crowded. And full of so many things.

There is waiting. So much waiting. And walking. And colors. And different temperatures. And people talking. And asking questions.

In our world we call this a sensory overload.

Then add in a boy who is 9 years old. And looks like every other 9 year old boy who can easily walk through the grocery store. But yet different.

A little boy who practices trips to the grocery store.

Tonight we stopped after a trip to see the Christmas Train. A huge night in our world.

We stopped spontaneously. Unplanned. He was excited. We had him walk. We took our time. He picked out mini muffins and tried to sneak them in the cart. Only he couldn’t stop giggling.

He found the greeting cards. And then the magazines. He picked out a Thomas and a Peppa magazine. We paid. Together.

And then walked calmly through the parking lot.

This is success.

To anyone watching it probably looked odd. With lots of sign language and first-than language.

A few too many stops and visits behind the deli counter. Running. Walking. Stopping. Negotiations. Sitting on the ground.

But the giggles. And the gasps. Oh my goodness the gasps. The joy he experiences with a simple trip to the grocery store.

It’s unbelievable really.

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Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.