Finding peace, presence, and purpose in the chaos of the season.
I used to think that holiday travel was all about getting there — the perfect family photo, the big meal, the presents neatly wrapped under Grandma’s tree.
But when you travel with a child on the autism spectrum and a service dog, you learn pretty quickly that the magic isn’t in the “perfect.” It’s in the moments in between.
✈️ The Layover That Changed My Perspective
Last December, our connecting flight home was delayed. The airport was packed, lights flashing, carols echoing from the loudspeakers. My son was tired, overstimulated, and on the verge of tears. Max, his service dog, nudged closer — pressing his warm body against my son’s legs like a silent anchor in the storm.
Right there, sitting on the cold tile floor of Gate B14, I realized something powerful: this was the moment worth remembering. Not the tree, not the photos — but this quiet connection between boy and dog, calm in the middle of chaos.
I stopped worrying about when we’d arrive and started noticing how we were handling the journey.
💙 The Gift of Going Slow
When your child needs extra support, “slow” becomes your superpower.
We’ve learned to stop at quiet corners instead of rushing to the gate. We take snack breaks, stretch breaks, laugh breaks. We celebrate every small success — boarding without tears, finding our seats, making it through security with smiles.
And you know what? Those little victories add up. They remind us that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
💬 Parent reflection: One Christmas, my son high-fived a TSA agent after walking calmly through security — something that would’ve been impossible just a year earlier. That moment was better than any gift under the tree.
🐾 What Our Service Dog Taught Us
Max doesn’t know it’s the holidays. He doesn’t care if our flights are on time or if the cookies got crushed in the bag.
He cares about right now — whether his boy feels safe, whether we’re calm, whether love fills the space between us.
Watching him reminds me to be present, too. Because when I slow down enough to see what’s right in front of me — my son’s laugh, Max’s steady gaze, my husband’s quiet grin — I realize we already have everything that matters.
🎁 The Small Moments Are the Big Ones
These days, we don’t aim for a perfect holiday. We aim for peaceful ones.
We celebrate the small wins: a smooth flight, a calm car ride, a cozy hotel night where everyone finally gets some sleep. These moments of triumph fill our hearts with joy and hope.
Because for families like ours, every calm moment, every smile, every “we did it” — those are the memories that last long after the lights come down. They inspire us and motivate us to keep cherishing these small moments.
So this year, wherever you’re headed, take a breath. Look for the little moments in the middle of the madness. Because those, my friend, are the ones you’ll remember most. 💛🐾
