Yesterday, I took Tim to his first concert.
I chose Day Three of Lollapalooza for a few reasons:
- It’s outdoors
- It has lots of different things to do other than watch bands, and lots of space to do them in
- The headliner was a band we both wanted to see
- Tim must stay with Mom at all times
- We aren’t in a hurry, so no need to get frantic. We take our time from place to place
- If Tim says he needs to leave, we leave, no questions asked
Tim felt like royalty.
We explored the grounds and had something to eat before we camped out at our first venue for the day. Guards was the band, and after an initial shock at exactly HOW loud it would be, Tim bounced and bopped and danced along with the crowd when he felt like it, and sat down when he felt like it.
We watched two bands, then took another stroll, had some ice cream, and strolled back to the main stage (the one behind us in the picture above), and camped out on the lawn-covered hill on the right to see Tegan & Sara. Officer Julie checked in by text a few times to be sure we didn’t need an escort back to the train, but Tim had been doing fine. Then, from our venue, Tim could see the masses stream in. Yeah, it looked like this:
As I lie in bed last night, exhausted, I realized I’d learned something about our new normal with Tim, since he’s been home from residential, and since he’s been stable. First, Tim is no longer a child. He really is a young man who acts like a young man and can have some responsibilities like any young man should be able to have. Second, Tim is able to process and manage experiences when he knows what to expect, and he wants to try them badly enough. Third, Tim is super cool to hang out with. I highly suggest taking Tim to a festival. He’s kind, courteous, affectionate, and concerned for your well-being. Plus, he’s kinda cute.
I will always be vigilant when it comes to Tim’s stability. I guess I can do away with the hyper vigilant, however. I need to let him grow up. I’ll try.
I'm sure there's nothing I'll read today that will make me happier than this. What a great day. The smiles on all three of your faces knock my socks off. It's just amazing, how Tim knew what he needed to take care of himself, and enjoyed something that could have been so scary for him! The image of he and Erika holding hands and taking care of each other is pretty awesome, too.
Also, you got to hear The Cure. I'm jealous.
It was very encouraging reading your post today. Thanks for sharing. We often skip parties and trips because we are afraid to deviate from our schedule. Our daughter (12) loves music and would love to attend a concert. I can see from your post, with proper planning, that she may one day be able to go see her favorite singer, Kelly Clarkson.
I've never been to Lollapalooza… although I do live in Chicago… and just looking at those pictures makes me remember why I probably never will go! I can definitely understand why your son could have gotten panicky in such a situation. But I'm actually a little envious of him because it sounds like he was able to really get into it, sing and dance and talk to people and have a lot of fun. He's an inspiration.
Erika learned that ze is very short, especially when compared to 3 out of the 4 other members of our household. See: first photo.
All of us also learned that, at the end of a long day towards the end of a long train ride, that Mom quickly approaches the end of her patience and, as observed by Tim, the end of her death. We are still deciphering the meaning of that deep, past-midnight piece of wisdom. Quite frankly, that train ride could warrant a post of its own. Mom, you may take that as a suggestion.
Adrienne, it was one of those moments that make me so appreciate having Tim as family. In the midst each quirk and odd habit are a million funny, entertaining, gentle, and sweet moments. I would gladly hold his hand through hoards of unwashed, Chicagoan masses again. The pillow at the end of the night was an added bonus.