Many parents of children with special needs often find themselves in the situation of losing friends after receiving their child's diagnosis. I believe this occurs because the child's behaviors make them uncomfortable, they can't or won't accommodate the child's needs, they don't know what to say, they have a hard time relating, they don't know how to explain it to their kids, etc., etc. As I have said many times, we have been so fortunate to be surrounded by family and friends who rally around us, giving us encouragement in the good times and bad. A few months after Will was born, I joined a group at my church for first time mothers. It was a great ministry that offered mothers the opportunity to experience the highs and lows of new parenthood together and meet with older mentors for six weeks. When I joined this group three years ago, I had no idea what an important role these ladies would play in my life and what their children would mean to my son. After our six weeks ended, we decided to keep meeting as a playgroup once a week. Three years later, we still meet. These ladies and their sweet families have been with us every step of the way on this incredible and frustrating journey. I am always advocating for inclusion. These kids are living it every week. These are the kids who will change society's perception of how we should treat people. Meet the kids who will change the world. Hattie. She always meets Will right where he's at. If Will wants to lay down on the trampoline instead of jump, Hattie's like "Cool, I'll lay down on the trampoline too." If Will wants to repeatedly run up and down a hill, Hattie's like "Cool, I'll play on this hill too. " Cash. This kid is a bundle of energy and as funny as they come. He is also our little champion. Cash and his daddy recently ran the Autism Speaks 8K in honor of Will. Davis. He has a HEART OF GOLD and floats through life with the happiest spirit I have ever seen. Davis is Will's play skills partner this summer. He comes over for therapist-led play dates to help Will with his social skills. Gabriel. How adorable is this kid? His sweet smile and quiet demeanor always puts Will at ease. Caroline. This beautiful girl is sassy and independent and I love it. She likes to share her snacks with Will even though he doesn't eat anything she offers. Caroline. With infinite passion and energy, Caroline is going places. She is always the first one to announce Will has arrived and the first one to tell him bye. A.J. Sweet, sweet A.J. Look at those eyes! He loves to tell Will what they are going to play that day and is always ready to offer a helping hand when Will struggles to figure something out. To these precious kids, thank you for always including my son even when it isn't easy. Thank you for loving Will unconditionally. Thank you for inviting him to your birthday parties, for always greeting him and showing him what it means to be a friend.
To my mommy friends, thank you for giving us a safe place to play, understanding when we have to leave parties early, for not acting scared or uncomfortable when Will is melting down, always showing the right amount of sympathy without feeling sorry for us, for accommodating my child's needs, for asking questions about Will and autism, inquiring how you can help your children play with Will, for distracting Will when I need two hands to take care of my other child/load up the car/pack the diaper bag and most importantly, for loving us. I've said it before and I'll say it again, each and every one of you makes our lives brighter. I don't think you have any idea how rare you all are. You are true servants, and we are so lucky to call you friends.
0 Comments
|
Charming, quirky and incredibly loving. Will loves his friends, swimming, the iPad, the Avett Brothers, observing the world upside down, climbing, jumping and being chased.
Archives
October 2017
|