So technically, Max didn't choose to celebrate the seventh anniversary of this blog by going to a Jets game yesterday. But it was a great gift for both of us.
Max was five when I started writing Love That Max. Back then, he had major sensory issues. Eating in a restaurant would make him screech. He would barely walk into the door of a birthday party held at a bowling alley or kid gym. We couldn't take him to museums, movies or shows, let alone a sports event.
We were all lucky: As time passed, Max got past a lot of his noise and crowd issues and his fear of the unknown. I don't think it's anything we did for him, per se, although we never stopped trying to introduce him to new places and experiences. Noise-reducing headphones came in handy. I'm betting a lot of it has had to do with his brain's continued healing from the stroke, along with maturity. As Max's cognition and curiosity has improved, he's more driven to try new things and push past sensory challenges.
This year Max and Dave started watching Sunday Night Football. I'd connected with the NFL a few years ago when they were raising awareness about preventing concussions; this week a contact offered me tickets for a suite. YES PLEASE. I stayed home with the baby and Dave took Max and Sabrina.
It used to be that when we'd drive by the stadium Max would vigorously shake his head at it just so we were completely clear he didn't want to go there. But when I told him we got tickets to see the Jets, he was so excited that all week long he practiced his chant: "Jets! Jets! Jets!"
What I especially appreciated was that while Dave was psyched to go with Max (and just psyched to go, period), this wasn't some big dad win for him. He's never been one to mourn that, until recently, he didn't have a son who was into watching sports, or who could play them in the usual way.
Dave kept texting me from the game; Sabrina and Max were having the time of their lives. And that made me seriously happy. A progress score like this, seven years into writing the blog? Love that Max.
Love that Max for sure. And Happy 7 years of blogging! That's a very long time.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathryn! It went by fast.
DeleteSeven years is a long time to blog. That, and: Go Jets!
ReplyDeleteYeah!
DeleteComing from a mother with a special needs child with severe sensory issues. You need to frame that picture! Way to go Max! Way to go dad!
ReplyDeleteI know, it's a keeper! And I know you get how amazing this is if your kid has sensory issues. I wish him continued progress.
DeleteThanks Ellen for letting others into your exciting world of raising Max through your fascinating stories, including some of your innermost thoughts. Sharing about your struggles helps others relate to you and your family. Shining on Max's successes is how we celebrate with you and spread hope for Max and so many deserving kids. Here's to many more blogging and storytelling years:) ~Keri
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Keri. I started this blog to inspire and encourage other parents, and so it's really heartening to hear it makes a difference.
DeleteI've so enjoyed following your blog and your family over the years. As a member of the disability community, I've related to so much of what you've written. Here's to seven more awesome years!!!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'm celebrating 7 years of blogging next weekend too!! Where does the time go??
Melissa | So About What I Said
Happy seventh anniversary to you too, Melissa!
DeleteHappy 7th Blog-o-versary, Ellen! And a big YAY FIREMAN MAX for attending his first Jets game! I'm not a sports fan whatsoever (watching figure skating at the winter Olympics is as good as it gets for me, haha), but I am psyched about this! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteNot a big sports fan either, traditionally, but this makes me one!
Delete7 years! Incredible! Happy blogiversary! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emily!
DeleteI saw and met Max, Sabrina and your husband yesterday at the game. Max looked SO happy to be there. It was a random meeting and I hope Dave was not upset with me stopping them and saying hi.
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Barbara, Sabrina told me when she came home! (Dave, of course, forgot until asked about it.) Dave was happy to meet you, I heard Max was too. Do you have a child with special needs?
DeleteEllen, I do not. I think I found your blog on another blog I follow. They (the blogs I follow) all stem from blogs on brain tumors. My husband had a brain tumor and died in 2003. I live in Westchester and I am the director of a preschool. Our school accepts all children and I have learned so much about families of children with special needs from reading blogs, so I thank you for sharing your journey. I am glad that I did not intrude on the outing. And tell Max and Sabrina...GO JETS Barbara
DeleteSeven years is a long time, congratulations! It looks like max had a very good time!
ReplyDeleteThat, he did. Sabrina too!
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