Doughnut Day

We started Doughnut Day this summer to help Travis on the days he had to go to someone's house while Justin and I went to therapy. My theory was having something special in the morning would make the transition easier when I had to leave him. Plus, he would sometimes ask to take doughnuts as a treat for whomever would be keeping him. It has been a BIG hit and we have continued Doughnut Day even after therapy changed days and the schedule shifted.

We go to a little Mom and Pop doughnut shop run by a family from Cambodia. The woman who is always at the counter is so good to Travis. He started out getting one chocolate doughnut with sprinkles, and I would get 2 old fashioned, until one day I was in the mood for a long john (you know, an eclair with custard filling). Travis was intrigued and asked to taste it. He was hooked, and he came up with the great idea to switch plates that day. So I had a chocolate doughnut with sprinkles, and he ate my long john. The things we do for love...

Now he gets 2 doughnuts every week: a long john, and something else. He sits on the counter and searches for just the right doughnut. It is never the same from week to week. He has ordered powdered sugar, chocolate, coconut, pink glazed, and he has even tried cinnamon rolls and twists, which are about as big as his head! He is covered with glaze and chocolate from ear to ear by the time he declares he is finished. He takes his basket up to the counter, and she bags his doughnuts to go, along with a few doughnut holes! Today Travis wanted to take a picture he had made and give it to her, and I think she just about cried! I can see her face light up when she sees Travis come in and she loves trying to figure out which other doughnut he will pick that day. One day we went a bit later than usual and they were out of long johns. Travis was very upset! We promptly picked up a card and put their number in my phone so we can call ahead when we are running a little late.

We feel like we are part of the family at the shop. We are almost "regulars" and we recognize people and can greet them like old friends. And the woman behind the counter, she is amazing! She greets everyone who walks in with a cheery, "Hi! How are you?" She remembers what everyone likes and she asks, "No kolache today?" when they don't go with the usual.

She was pregnant last summer and asked Randy for all kinds of information about pediatricians, since she knew that we had just had Justin. She ended up having twin boys born at around 28 weeks. One only lived for about 3 days and the other boy remained in the hospital for several months. In talking with her we learned that we have the same ECI therapist and we have shared stories about "our boys". Her son is now one, and while he is not walking, he is cruising while holding on the furniture and it will not be long. Today for the first time she showed me pictures and told me how hard it is having one surviving son. She said they looked so much alike. I feel so privileged to share that part of her life.

Travis doesn't know all his days of the week yet, but he knows Tuesday is Doughnut Day. It has been great for our family, and Justin is learning to love doughnuts too!