Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[fluffyfeet]

Thought I'd share this with you all.

 

We took my son, who is 8 and a half, to see Santa yesterday, not knowing quite what his reaction would be, and more to the point, what he might say or do.

 

Quick explanation - my son has Aspergers and ADHD - and apart from being very active, has trouble separating reality from fantasy, to the extent where he will answer you with quotes from films, adverts and goodness knows what else.

 

So visiting Santa, and more so having a conversation with him, had me on tenterhooks to say the least.

 

First the conversation with the 'elf' - she asked a couple of run of the mill questions, no problem. She then asked him what he would be leaving for Santa. I held my breath and he said, very seriously, "a letter saying thank you".

 

I beamed, his Dad beamed and so did the two family's behind us. The elf was completely taken by surprise, and then we went in to Santa's house.

 

Norton was wearing his favourite Anakin Skywalker sweatshirt and stood facing a brilliant Santa in a large armchair. Santa said hello and then to my complete surprise, and obviously taking his cue from Nortons top, said to Norton "I do hope you haven't gone over to the darkside this year?"

 

They then chatted for a few moments before we left with Santa saying "may the force be with you".

 

A bit of Christmas magic.....

 

Dawn x

[hillfamily]

There's a tear in my eye...a truly proud mum moment :D

[Laura & CTB]

Ah how lovely - that brings me out in goosebumps

[Purplemaniacs]

That's lovely, have a lovely Christmas

 

Chrissie

[Alis girls]

Good for Norton and for Santa for being "with it" . I remember ES at 4 ish telling Santa he wanted a telescope Of course this was news to me as I didnt know he knew what one was. He was given a jigsaw and promptly howled loudly (what a brat) and had to be dragged to the car. I was mortified. hes now 14 good looking and charming (sometimes) Well done Norton and you.

[The Dogmother]

That's wonderful, and very well handled by the santa staff.

[ClaireG]

How lovely

[Tiggy]

what a good Santa, and what a good boy

[Cooks]

That's wonderful, and very well handled by the santa staff.

I agree, well done that Santa.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

That's truly a lovely story . What a lovely boy he sounds .

[LisaP]

That's wonderful - well done Norton and no wonder you feel proud

 

One of my children has autism and I know just how daunting some "normally taken forgranted" situations can be

 

Lisa P

[fluffyfeet]

The part I find really difficult is that it is a 'hidden' disability and not obvious to the untrained eye.

 

I often get the 'tut tut, what a naughty child' attitude and the disapproving looks. I would love to get a t-shirt that says something like "my son is autistic - deal with it" and one for Norton with maybe "I have Aspergers - what's your problem".

 

He has med's for his ADHD, which make him incredibly calm, but I only use them for school and the occasional trip out, especially if it is going to be noisy and potentially over-stimulating for him.

 

He has us in pleats of laughter sometimes - it's like playing Catchphrase, say what you see, and he does, including announcing things to all and sundry like 'have you got your teeth in mom?' right in the middle of the local Freezer centre!! I wouldn't mind but it is only one and it is temporary - lol.

Oh, and introducing me to people, saying this is my mum, her name is ........, she's 44 you know, then our full address inc postcode, home phone number, and he doesn't whisper.

 

And boy can I blush......lol.

 

Dawn x

[Looney]

Aaah what a lovely story Well done to your son, what a lovely lad, no wonder you are proud I had to chuckle about asking if you've got your teeth in Well done to the Santa as well, how nice that he treats the children as individuals and takes an interest, must be hard considering how many children must visit him!

[Lesley]

Wonderful - and so well handled. No wonder you are proud

[chick wiggle]

Ohh how lovely, no wonder you are proud, what a lovely boy, and well done that Santa!

[chickenNutter]

Fantastic and very intelligent lad, and well done Santa.

 

So many of these Santa's helpers do not realise what a precious and fragile inheritance they hold. My daughter's beliefs were destroyed by an inconsiderate older child, at the age of 8, and I saw what a huge effect it had on her.

 

In addition to the day job, I am also a professional Face Painter, often booked to do Santa's Grotto gigs. One year when the 'real Santa' couldn't make it, a 'helper'stood in, that was so inconsiderate that he appeared partly dressed, and appearing on his breaks and talking about his 'job' in front of his small clients. I ended up making a formal complaint to the venue, on behalf of the numerous irate parents and devasted children. I think I was more furious then they were!

 

I applaud Santa for the way he understood and responded to your son. But of course he is Santa, the real Santa, so he would.

[Seagazer]

Oh that's so sweet its brought a tear to my eye. Well done to your son and to Santa