We just got home from a quick trip up to Branson. There was a lovely little family in line ahead of us at Dick's 5&10 - where it's crowded and crazy, and visually overwhelming and enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed, and they had a tether on their younger son, who was probably about 7 years old. The kids were fascinated with my personal mobility device, and I answered all their questions, and then as the line inched forward, we talked about all of the things they had been doing and what they liked best. Then, the older son (who was so wise at all of about 8 years old! LOL) turned to me, and said "My brother has a leash because he runs away". He kind of rolled his eyes, and shrugged, like "What can you do?"
His little brother said "Stop it! Stop telling people that!" I looked at the little brother, and said "I bet you have to use that because your superpowers are SO STRONG, right?!" He beamed, and punched his older brother, and proceeded to tell his entire family that I said he has superpowers, super-strong superpowers, so there!
His long-suffering older brother just shot me a look, and shook his head... like "Crazy old lady" LOL Meanwhile the little brother was asking me exactly *what* I thought his superpower was. I just told him that *I* thought his superpower was his curiosity, because he always wanted to go and see what was next, what was ahead, and that was why he needed to have that reminder to be patient, and wait. And that was *awesome*, because it meant he might become a great explorer like an astronaut, or a super-scientist who made amazing discoveries, or whatever he wanted to be. (I then had to tell his older brother what I thought *he* would be as well LOL).
I glanced up at their mom, and she had tears in her eyes. I had just long enough to say "Y'all are doing just fine", and then line moved, and we went left to the register and they went right in the other line, and we didn't see them again.
I hope that maybe someday, somehow, she sees this - because her kids are awesome, and she is doing what is best for her family, and I have nothing but respect for that entire little family.