Deals

I met a 21 year old Autistic Boy this past Saturday in a store called Deals.  It was my first time shopping in one.  I had heard so much about it I wanted to see what the hype was.  I took my time strolling through each isle, checking out the merchandise and exploring.  As I was coming out of one isle and making my way to the next, out came this young man with one of the brightest smiles, I had ever seen.  He walked right up to me with his cart and said to me "Hi, come with me" Without hesitation I immediately followed.  I saw my Donomite in him, and I felt a tug at my heart.  "Which would you like?" he asked and I was instantly brought back to the present.  He was pointing to a display of assorted nuts.  I quickly responded with "Awe, Thank you, but I don't want any nuts today."  I was in awe of him.  I wanted to continue talking to him.  I felt a stare and looked past him down the isle and saw a woman with a look that was all so familiar to me.  I quickly responded with "It's okay,  I totally understand, my son is 7"  My response was followed by a look of relief and I saw her body relax.  The young man and I continued to talk and I asked the woman how old he was and she said "he's 21".  This excited him and he started to announce his age and that his birthday was going to be soon.  He talked about his job and a few other things.  I couldn't keep my eyes off of him as he spoke and I felt a warmth and comfort in talking to him.  I envisioned my Donomite at 21 having the same conversation.  We said our goodbyes and he began to walk off.  By now my husband had found me and witnessed our interaction.  I looked at him and knew right away he was thinking and feeling the same way I was.  "Hey what's your Name?" I turned to look.  "Lizette, what's yours?"  and he came right back to talk some more.  I was amazed by his willingness to engage and socialize.  He even said hello to my husband and shook both of our hands before he walked off. 

I often sit and wonder what will become of my Donomite in the future. Most times my anxiety begins to set in, because of the uncertainty of it all.  But somehow meeting the young man, I have a bit more peace.  I am so thankful I walked into that Deals, I not only walked out with a whole bunch of stuff for dirt cheap, but I walked out with a amazing experience, an amazing memory, hope, and  peace of mind.