The Golden Eagles

Being a parent is always entertaining - and challenging. Being a parent of a child with autism is doubly so, in both respects.

Junior Grendel Number One had a quite common (for boys with autism) fixation on Thomas the Tank Engine, more recently it has been all things army (he still insists he will be joining the army).

This weekend he suddenly decided that he wanted to go to a football game to see the team he calls "The Golden Eagles" (the West Coast Eagles). He has called them this since we passed their home field once on the way home from therapy and saw the great blue and gold eagle on the stadium.

Every time he sees a license plate from an Eagle's supporter he lets us know.

As a former Queenslander I am still somewhat in awe of the passion in which West Aussies take to their game and their teams. I have been to one game - a Derby to which I won tickets through Mix 94.5 FM years ago. I took my Father-in-Law to that game but have not been to one since.

We had a look for tickets and poor Junior Grendel Number One was in tears when I could find none available - but then I realised that the tickets for the next home game do not go on sale until tomorrow at 9.00 am.

I'll be hovering over the keyboard to try and get something (anything!) with a view that a 7-year old can see.

I'm kinda excited myself as we haven't really done much like this together before - so wish me luck with the booking system, I have a feeling I am going to need it!

Junior Grendel Number Two had been vocalising his desire to come along but was swayed by the promise of junk food and a movie with Mrs Grendel. Should be a fun night for all!