There you are in the supermarket, radiating kindness. My son, Liam, walks beside me as I navigate the aisles. You rush up to greet us, shopping with your mother. You call out, “Hey, Liam!” with genuine excitement, and though he mumbles a response and wanders ahead, I can see that your warmth has made an impact. You mention that you’re classmates, and when I express my gratitude for your friendly approach, you simply say, “Oh, I understand. That’s just how he is.” You wave goodbye and say, “See you at school Monday, Liam!” My heart swells with joy, knowing there are friends like you who accept my son for who he is—autism and all.
There you are in the school gymnasium, showing consideration. We’re attending a performance put on by Liam’s sister, and as we take our seats, you come over with your mom, seeking to sit next to Liam. You introduce him to your mother and try your best to engage him in conversation. When I ask Liam to introduce me to you, he hesitates, unsure of your name. I feel a pang of embarrassment, but you reassure me, saying, “It’s OK! I know he has trouble with names.” You navigate the conversation with patience, allowing Liam to open up at his own pace. It’s heartening to see how much he learns from peers like you.
Fast forward to junior high, where I’m invited to watch Liam present on the solar system in class. There you all are, the faces of encouragement. Liam stands proudly, grinning ear to ear, unaware that his presentation, with help from his paraprofessional, may not match the complexity of your own. But you treat him with the same respect you give to others, making him feel included. My heart melts at the kindness you show, helping him feel part of the group, regardless of his abilities.
In a department store, I encounter you again, this time with the face of compassion. You spot me from a distance and approach with a smile, asking, “Are you Liam’s mom?” I confirm, and you ask where he is. When I tell you he’s at home, you share how you enjoy having lunch with him. You express that being his friend has taught you more than you could imagine. I reflect on how Liam can be challenging to interact with—he struggles with social cues, and his academic performance is below grade level. Yet, you understand his needs. You choose to be the kind of friend who gives more than he receives, who is patient and willing to help him find his voice. My heart swells with gratitude for your friendship.
That evening, I seek the face of understanding at a music program. As Liam is set to sing with his classmates, I’m thrilled to see you walking in ahead of us. When I ask for directions to his group, you confidently lead the way, saying, “Come on, Liam. Follow me.” I call out a heartfelt “Thank you!” as you vanish into the crowd, grateful to belong to a community filled with such supportive faces.
At a school picnic, you all show the faces of acceptance. The class has chosen to go fishing as their end-of-year event, and I hesitated, knowing Liam has no interest in it and dislikes mess. But when we arrive, several of you rush to our van, calling out for Liam. He beams, saying, “My friends are here!” It fills me with joy to see him embraced by his peers.
As part of the autism community, I’ve often heard about prejudice and bullying. Thankfully, we’ve mostly avoided these challenges in Liam’s life. Perhaps it’s because we’ve been open about his diagnosis since kindergarten, educating his classmates about autism. Maybe it’s due to supportive programs or simply the close-knit nature of our town. Regardless, I believe it’s a combination of all these factors. I feel lucky that Liam has a group of caring friends whose parents have instilled values of kindness, understanding, and acceptance.
In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who have shown my son compassion, understanding, and friendship. Your kindness makes a world of difference in his life.
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Summary
This heartfelt letter expresses gratitude from a mother to her son’s friends, highlighting their kindness, patience, and acceptance of her autistic son. Through various encounters, she describes how these young peers positively impact his life, showcasing the beauty of friendship in the face of challenges.