Let me set the record straight. I would NEVER move to Atlanta. First off, the traffic is ridiculous. I’ve driven there fifty bazillion times and still get anxious driving.

Having said that, we spend a decent amount of time there. This time, we went to The Eastern for another one of JP’s concerts. He and I do not see eye to eye when it comes to music, but I’ve not hated the concerts we’ve been to.

The artists may not be my “cup of tea,” but watching JP live his best life makes it all worth it.

Now, let me give a shout-out to The Eastern. We’ve been before. I remembered the staff being super nice, but I also remembered it being a standing room only venue. Standing in one place for three to four hours does not agree with my arthritic knee. Makes me cringe just thinking about it.

I tried to buy ADA tickets, but the website said they weren’t available. I emailed. Within an hour, I received a response. They told me to check with Guest Services upon arrival and see if overflow ADA seating was available. Attendants would help, if possible.

Green Flag No. 1: quick, clear communication.

We got there and I was already fighting tears, thinking of how it was going to feel if I had to stand the whole time. Before you say it, I know I’m choosing to go. But that’s what you do as a mom, right? Especially when there is SO MUCH JP isn’t able to do. He only has a couple of friends, both who have week-day school commitments. That leaves me. If I don’t go, it’s just one more thing he misses out on.

This is not a “woe is me” moment, no need to break out the violins. It’s just the reality of our life. Parents and caregivers of people with autism – or any other different ability – have to facilitate activities in order for them to come to fruition.

In other words, I will stand for ten hours and watch my knee blow up to the size of a basketball if it means he gets to enjoy a concert.

Once we got in the doors, I found a man with Guest Services. I told him that we tried to buy ADA tickets but weren’t able to. I told him I had a bad knee and that my son was autistic and sometimes had a hard time in the crowd. He smiled and happily led us over to a section to the left of the stage with seats. He told us we were good and to let them know if we needed anything else. We sat. At this point, I’m ready to cry tears of pure joy. Thank You, Lord.

Within a ten minute period, a security guard offered to bring us water and another man with Guest Services checked in to “make sure we were okay.”

Green Flag No. 2: common courtesy, kindness, and compassion.

So this is me saying a BIG Thank You to The Eastern. Could JP have made it through the concert without accommodations? Maybe. (I’m the one who would not have made it!) But removing the stressors that make events like this difficult made all the difference in the world. Because of their sensitivity and consideration, we were able to enjoy the night with little to no anxiety.

To say I’m grateful is an understatement. He’s already picked out another concert in January, so we’ll see then!

PSA to Hotels in 2026

We booked a room close to Truist Park. Even though we didn’t go to a game this time, I know the area well and am the most comfortable there . The room was nice, beds were comfortable, and everything was clean. All of that is an obvious plus, but there were a couple of things that rubbed me the wrong way.

*I’m about to be dramatic*

First of all, there was no mini fridge and no microwave. Why? Why would there not be a mini fridge and microwave? I paid $19.96 for four bottles of water at the front desk (shame on me, I know) and had no place to keep them cool. JP had leftover food that we planned to reheat. Again, nope.

Next, there was NO charging station beside my bed. There was a phone and an alarm clock – who even uses an alarm clock – but zero ways to charge a phone. Was there an outlet beside the door and the couch? Yes. Was there one beside the bathroom sink? Also yes. But not next to the bed where (most) every human on earth uses their phone at night.

I hear myself. Yes, these are first world problems. I’m being whiney and sort of a brat. But, come on…

I’m not saying the room ruined my trip. That would be overly dramatic, but I am saying that hotels in 2026 NEED to have mini fridges, microwaves and places to charge phones next to the beds. Period.

Sincerely, Someone-Who-Needs-To-Get-Over-Herself And-Quit-Complaining.

We slept in and checked out at noon. I was very thankful checkout wasn’t at ten.

JP wanted to stop by the Mall of Georgia on the way home. The last time we went, he had a panic attack as soon as we walked through the door and didn’t make it past the food court.

Today was a different story. We ate lunch and walked around for a couple of hours. Neither of us panicked!

All the way home, I thanked God for a memorable two days with my favorite Guatemalan.