The Garden Center Trip

This afternoon, Ian and I did some errands.  The last stop was our local Garden Center.  I've been going there for plants, mulch, Christmas trees and produce since before I knew Rob.  It is family owned, and they are from Pittsburgh so we always have a good time talking about the Steelers.

Ian has been coming here for years too.  He especially likes Brian, the owner's adult son.  Whenever we turn into the parking lot, Ian yells, "Brian!"  But, in his typical fashion, he is too shy to talk to him much once we get out of the car.

Brian helps Ian in Fall 2010

Today it was a quick trip.  I knew I wanted a flat of pansies, so I was going to pick one and go.  But, I got started talking with Brian about yesterday's game and Ian made himself at home in his usual spot...in one of the chairs that the family sets out under the pergola.  They are always so nice to Ian without being condenscending; I love them for that.

This is where Ian likes to sit while I shop and visit

When it came time to pay, I noticed Ian getting one of the red wagons they have for customers.  I decided that I would put him to work.  I put the pansies in the wagon and said, "Let's take them to the car."  I gave him a minute to think about it, and he started pulling.  It wasn't easy for him.  The path was rocky, and there was a patch of gravel to go through that was a little tricky, but he did it.  At the car, he started to just drop the handle and get in his seat, but I told him to bring the wagon to the back.  He did, then again tried to bail and not finish.  I told him we had to take the wagon back.  I thought this would not be a winner, but surprisingly he headed back with the wagon.  It took a few prompts but he took it right back where he got it then came right back to the car.

This was last year; he's come a long way

I am so proud of this!  I think he was proud of himself too.  Little by little, I'm letting him do more chores and other things that will lead to a more self-reliant life.  He will always need some help, but I believe he will eventually be able to do a lot of things for himself.  I'm just trying to find the right time and right circumstances to help make him understand HE CAN DO IT!