Dear Addie,
If you've met one person with autism, you've met just that, one person with autism. This is a phrase often uttered within our community, but shouldn't that be true for every person? Do we feel everyone should think, feel, and do all the same? Don't we all have different dreams, desires, and fears? What can be easy for someone can hold much work for others. I like to think those with autism are the leaders in living a unique life of differences and doing hard things daily on full display. A reminder that empathy, compassion, and kindness go a long way for everyone, autism or not.
This week, I received a text message with a picture of you vacuuming during life skills at school. As silly as it sounds, I got misty-eyed when I opened it; I was so proud and thought only a select few would even understand the greatness this represented. Only a few would know how hard this was for you. Only a few could understand the bravery you were demonstrating.
Addie, we all have fears, believing something is dangerous or a threat. Mine happens to be sharks; yours is the vacuum cleaner. Nobody's fear is better or greater than the other, but you do not see a threat in running full force into the ocean, and I can happily vacuum all day long (I love to vacuum - just saying). Our fears are different, but I can acknowledge and empathize with how it makes you feel. The sensory assault in its sound and its disappearing act for anything it rolls over has been enough to send you into fight or flight just at the sight of its existence - but here you were, vacuuming and facing your fears with a smile nonetheless! This was a tough thing for you, and you were doing it. It got me thinking: Should I go snorkeling in shark-infested water? Don't answer that. I'm not ready.
Addie, you faced your fears this week with encouragement from your teachers and therapists. Most may not see this as a big deal, but for you, it was huge, and we are so very proud of you—just another beautiful example of even the smallest amount of kindness and compassion making a world of difference. Something we need more of in this world.
Be kind always Addie, someone could be doing something that is really hard for them and they may need it.
Great job, this week baby girl.
Love,
Mom
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