(The Alden Series 3/5: Aaron/Dad)

(The Alden Series 3/5: Aaron/Dad)

"Uh, Fletch, Alden is running naked through the restaurant…

We had spent the last week or so camping cross country from California to Nebraska to meet up with a group of friends from college. We were celebrating the 15th anniversary of our good friends and traveled back to her hometown where the wedding had been and her brother owned a steakhouse.

Alden is a great camper/roadtripper, and he’s an even better dancer and entertainer. Alden was seven at the time and full of personality. We had a separate room in the steakhouse with karaoke and dancing. Kids, parents, and friends were having a great time and the dance party was in full effect. At one point, dripping with sweat from intense dancing, Alden decided he would be more comfortable without his shirt.

Alden pulled his shirt off in the middle of the dance floor and some of us hooted and hollered for him. He proceeded to helicopter swing the shirt over his head once or twice and flung it into the dancing throng. The crowd went wild and Alden was king of the world.

The dancing continued and at some point close watchful parenting eased into a relaxed state. We were with friends in our friend’s restaurant and things were good. Someone tapped me on the shoulder, “Uh, Fletch, Alden is running naked through the restaurant.” I bolted from the dance floor and caught Alden, amidst bemused midwestern families and couples, running through the part of the restaurant still packed with patrons not there for the anniversary.

We made our way quickly back to the area reserved for our party and put clothes back on. Teaching socially acceptable behavior isn't always easy with a son who hasn’t an ounce of modesty. The lessons can be memorable though."

#ThisIsDownSyndrome #TheLuckyFew