To The Friend Who Gets It
A friend reminds you of your worth.
She knows when you’ve had the max you can take and knows that you can’t go out for a drink, so she comes to you with all the ingredients for a fine Bloody Mary.
A friend is one who doesn’t just talk.
She doesn’t say a word, she just shows up.
She attends your daughters IEP because she knows her support will give you strength to be Mama Bear.
She shows up to your chaotic life and takes your kid to a soccer game because your autistic child refuses to get in the vehicle. Then she offers to do pick up duties also.
A friend notices when you are drowning and doesn’t offer, she just steps in.
She comes into your home at 2:30 A.M. to administer insulin, and slap a Dex on an already frazzled teen. Then she drops coffee off on your front porch.
She doesn’t live in a little bubble of perfect facades. She understands that life is messy and doesn’t judge sweatpants or a makeup-less face.
A friend calls and wisps your neurotypical kids away to go on an adventure, a bike ride by the river or to a movie that their autistic sister could not handle.
It’s a bag of M&Ms on your desk that says “I love being socially awkward with you.”
She cries with you and says I don’t know what you go through, but I am here. I am present.
She cries with you and knows exactly what you go through. You are both able to laugh about the not so perfect parts of your world, like cleaning up a sensory mess of dish soap and Orange Mio.
She sees the potential and believes in you. She laughs with you, great big belly laughs!
She doesn’t pretend. This is so important.
She is true. She knows your worth. She knows your struggles but she doesn’t allow you to live in them.
She is light. She is your tribe. She roots for you.
She doesn’t speak it, she proves it.
She keeps you sane. She reminds you to breathe.
She is not wrapped up in a titles.
She understands imperfections.
She embraces challenge.
She understands that Autism is not ‘normal.’
Our life is not normal, that doesn’t matter to her.
She is truer than true.
I thank God for her every day.
She looks to the sky, she pushes all of your daughters to do the same.
Written by, Erin Maser
I am a mother of four beautiful girls ages 13, 8, 7 and 4. My youngest just happens to be nonverbal autistic epileptic. I am a Title I Elementary teacher in Wyoming. You can follow our story on our blog at Keep room in your heart for the unimaginable.
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Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.
