Dear Addie,
We have met a lot of people during your young life, but today I want to tell you about a special little boy. His name is Jack. Jack is your friend.
We met Jack (and his family) only a year ago when we moved back to the great state of North Carolina (you, my dear are what is called a "tar heel", because you were born in NC like Gabe!)
For a year now I've watch the quiet friendship you have developed with Jack. You share a simple understanding for one another...with little to no words actually spoken between the two of you.
Jack is 2 (almost 3) - a perfectly inquisitive age, and a trusting soul - he instinctively "gets" you. He follows you around, sits by you, tries to play with you, and when you get upset - he simply waits.
He doesn't run away, doesn't cry, doesn't fight back, he waits. He waits for you to know he's your friend. He waits until you realize that he's not trying to hurt or upset you. He's patient and loving little boy, and he is your friend.
Occasionally he will come to me, and with the absolute sweetest southern drawl, he will update me on what you are up to - a quick "status report", and then will run back to play with you.
In these moments I am reminded how blessed we are to have such sweet angels in our life. We are blessed. But deep inside I'm also reminded that at only 2 yrs old he can already talk to me in complete sentences, and engage me with language. You will get there too Addie, I know it.
Mostly though, I just feel happy. I am very happy for you to have discovered friendship. True friendship just happens. It isn't difficult. Isn't forced. It just... happens.
He is your friend. I'm sure he's heard the word Autism by now, but it doesn't mean much to him. To him, you are his friend Addie. Not Addie with Autism, just Addie. And that's a beautiful thing.
I love you Addie.
Love,
Mom
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