I had something cool happen yesterday.
Well, first, some background. I have been paintballing since 1998. Not serious mind you, but, play several times a year. I love the game. It's what eventually led to my back surgery this past summer, but, I still love it.
I also have a 12 year old son Alex. Alex has Autism. Not a severe case though. (For info about it, click here)
I have wanted to get him involved in something like paintball for some time, but, he has no interest in anything like that. That is, until, yesterday.
While my wife was shopping for the kids new clothes for the upcoming school year, Alex and I waited patiently outside the store. I noticed across the parking lot one of the Laser Quest places. You know the place where you can go shoot the "Laser Guns" at each other and get points. I asked him if he wanted to try it, and he did. So, went and gave the car keys to the wife, took $20 from her ;), and walked across the parking lot.
We got in there and at first, it was really loud with all the other kids. But, he then starts to get into it. He was interacting with the other kids; he even went off on his own hunting for people. The reason why that is so cool is that he NEVER does anything like that. Yes, I had a proud papa moment yesterday. He then talked about it all day, and he wants to do it again. It's almost like a little bit more of my hidden son came out for 20 minutes yesterday while we played the game. It's an awesome feeling.
Except when he kept sneaking up on the crip, me. I would be walking through the maze, and feel my sensor pack go off. I turn around, and there he is laughing. He shot me again. That little butt-head. I probably shouldn't have been playing with still recovering from my back surgery. But, the soreness I have today is worth it!
So, if you are ever at the Laser Quest and see the names Hoss and Link, that's just me and Alex.