Andrew, my second son has Down Syndrome and is 14 years old. We had gone out to eat breakfast with him while my first born was still sleeping in the bed. After we ate we planned to go to the grocery store for the weeks groceries. Andrew can at times be strong willed about what he wishes to do and going to the store wasn't in his plans. We headed in, I had already announced a potty break and left my wife, Karen, to shuttle Andrew in. Andrew being stuborn decided to stay out on the walk but Karen had missed his entrance into the store. I think he used the second set of doors.

Being tired of his stubornness we decided to grab the few things we needed from the side of the store opposite of the groceries. As we strolled we kept our eyes open for Andrew. I left Karen to head to the grocery side of the store while I looked around for Andrew. Eventually, I alerted the store personnel for help and we found Andrew. When I arrived at the Baby Section of the store I found Karen and Andrew. Karen with her buggy and Andrew with his. Little were we aware that Andrew had decided to do his own shopping.

Andrew had his cart filled with groceries. Hotdogs (about eight packages), saugage biscuits (about four packages), frozen fish, frozen lobster, frozen shrimp, chips, bread, cheese, eggs, juice and a DVD video. From the deli he had doughnuts, cookies, rolls, zuchini bread, and a meat and cheese tray. I had gone to the store to shop for groceries and instead I spent my time unshopping what Andrew had packaged.

As a result instead of getting the weeks worth of groceries we purchased a few must have items plus what we already had in the basket. Then we headed home. Andrew was aware of my angerment. I'll have to go back to the store on my way home from work tomorrow for the things we forgot. Andrew, still lives, still gets my hugs but my patience is beginning to wear thin.

Earnie
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