Different ... But Not Less

A couple weeks ago I met with some other Mom's who have children on the Autism Spectrum. Getting together with these Mother's makes me whole. It is the one time when I feel like I am not alone. I feel alone a lot. Especially when I watch other kids playing so freely and Mother's chatting on the side lines. When other children say "Hey Mom, watch this!" and they do some cool trick. When they ask Why? insessantly. When they say "I love you." and the Mom didn't say I love you first. I even get jealous when I hear kids tell their parents "I hate you." Silly I know, but those differences always stand out.

When I meet these other Mom's we are instantly friends. I'm not good at making friends, but these women are my sisters. I have met with several different groups, I guess you could call me a bit of a support group junky! But the thing about it is we don't even have to say much, they just get it.

On this occasion last Friday we gathered together to watch the movie Temple, based on the life of Temple Grandin who was diagnosed with Autism as a toddler and now is a professor at Colorado State and the go to person for animal handling equipment internationally. She has never been able to hold a relationship but she is a success and she makes a difference.

This movie took me another step in healing and changing my attitude about Boston. In the movie Temple's Mother said on a few occasions, "Temple, you are different, but not Less..not Less." I have repeated that several times in my head since watching the film. I repeated that yesterday when I picked Boston up from his Terrific Tot's class. He was crouching down in the corner when I entered the classroom. I asked him what was wrong and he said "Uh.. I need help."
"What happened?" I said.. moving in closer.

I soon realized his pants were completely undone. I quickly did them up hoping that no one noticed. Another Mother bent down next to us to see what her child had made in class, and Boston says really loud "That's NOT Boston's friend!!"

"Shh" I say "that's not nice.. let's go"

"But that one" he says pointing directly at the Mother's face "That's NOT Boston's friend!"

I want to correct him on the pronoun and crawl in a hole all at the same time.

"Sorry about him" .. I mutter.. never looking up and putting Boston's shoes and jacket on as quickly as possible and jolting out the door.

Different.. yes. When other kids are riding bikes and scooters, Boston is playing "James and the Giant Peach" or "fishing" with a stick or trying to find the Oquirrh Mountain Temple.

But not Less. What other 3 year old do you know that could point out at least 20 different LDS temples by their picture. Who could identify at least a couple dozen different dinosaurs.

No not less.. I may be prejudice but I have never met a baby who laughs or smiles quite like he does. Who captures you with that twinkle in his eye, even if he calls you a "Scary Monster " two seconds later (sorry Whitney!)

I love you Boston! You will do great things little man. You are Not Less ... Not Less!