I love “God-incidences”. I was at Raley’s ordering a cupCAKE for Dave’s graduation and when I was asked about what to decorate on the cake the girl said… “The decorator is really great, she does everything by hand. She’ll want to know what your son’s likes are. The kids like to post on social media for their friends, so she’ll customize just for him.” I said, “that is nice but my son has autism, so he doesn’t really have friends and he doesn’t really communicate. Just have her put whatever she thinks is nice. Oh and he is graduating with honors so have her add something about that.”
The girl whispered, “oh wow that is amazing.” I replied, “yeah, he can’t even barely communicate and yet he is graduating with a real diploma, WITH honors.” I trailed off at then end and out of nowhere just started bawling. The woman then starts crying. She said, “you are making me cry.” I repsonded, “I’m so sorry it just comes out of nowhere at times.” She said, “no you don’t understand. I have a 4 year old with autism. My husband is so depressed. He was actually talking the other day about him never being able to graduate. I can’t wait to go home and tell him this. I was supposed to be on lunch right now but came back early, and this must have been why.” I started crying even more and said, “yep we were meant to meet. So don’t you ever give up hope. My son is proof of that!”
She went on to tell me she knew no one in the area who had kids with autism. I told her I used to run a non-profit and used to know everyone in the area, but I don’t anymore. I told her I did know of of a local mom who has taken over where we left off and to call me and I’d connect them. And I told her to call me if she ever needed any information or encouragement.
I think back on when Dave was that little and all the unknowns and fears you have. I remember at one point he was ON the track to NOT get a regular diploma and how that turned around when we realized how truly brilliant he was. My fears now are different but I am thankful to be through some of those really difficult beginnings. I loved my non-profit years as we helped so many but I am so thankful the Lord continues to put people in my path that I can help in some small, even if insignificant way, from time to time.