A night out

Dear Friends,

Wow, I had the best night last night! Tara took me out to a dinner and show at a newly opened, renovated historic venue, Lou Lou’s Club at the Lafayette Hotel. It was gorgeous! So elegant and fun. It was a real supper club experience, with a beautifully dressed crowd, delicious food, and fantastic music! The murmur of the crowd was perfectly loud for me; it made my stimming inconspicuous and it was a pleasant sensory input. The table we reserved was great, right on the edge of the lower dance floor, so our view of stage was uninterrupted.

I absolutely loved the ambiance! I could feel the history of the place. They did a fabulous job designing the room. I could have sat there and admired it even without music. The people-watching was so much fun, too.

The music by Whitney Shay and her band literally made me dance! I tried to stay in my seat because I didn’t want to risk getting too amped up and galloping around in a crowded space. But my feet started tapping and then stomping. Tara kept reassuring me that I could get up and go to the dancing area in front of the stage. But I was shy. Finally, my body did just that, and it was so much fun! Wow! The crowd on the dance floor welcomed me. I felt so enthralled by being part of it.

I did this a few times. The singer even sang to me briefly when she saw me on the dance floor! I felt so accepted.

This was my first party night out late. And I had been nervous to be out with crowds who are likely ignorant of my diagnosis and my reality. I have had negative experiences with ignorant folks in public before. But last night was perfect. I loved it so much!

Tara was so watchful and mindful, as always, checking in with me regularly to see how I was feeling. I knew she would be there if anything went wrong. That helped me relax.

Don’t we look sharp? Tara is so stylish and her outfit was perfect. I chose a new combination and I think it looked sharp. I was so proud to be out with my beautiful sister!

That was a memory I will always cherish. I hope to go back for some future special occasions. We nonspeakers and other disabled folks deserve to enjoy experiences like this. I hope such spaces become more accessible. How amazing it would be to have a more diverse crowd enjoying these nights!

Your Friend,

Danny