Movie Theater!

Another unexpected perk of the hotel stay with my sons Aaron and Alex was that there was a movie theater within walking distance.

Alex had not been to a movie theater since before he was injured in 2004.

I was hesitant to try it.

Actually, I was very hesitant.

There were so many questions running through my mind:
Would the theater have enough room for Alex and all of his equipment?
What would happen if he needed medical care during the movie?
What if the theater was too crowded?
Would we be able to manage everything safely?

The boys finally convinced me to try.

Aaron helped me carry some of the gear I have to take with Alex wherever we go, and we trekked over to the theater.

The people there were very kind.

We missed the movie the boys originally wanted to see, but we still got to see something. And more importantly, we learned that we could do it — as long as the theater has room for individuals in wheelchairs and their equipment.

That experience was enough to bring a smile and create a good memory.

Life with someone who has a chronic or medically complex condition — or living with one yourself — can be challenging in so many ways.

But one of the blessings that can come in the middle of that journey is learning to appreciate some of the simplest things that many people take for granted.

Like going to the movies.