Matthew was about 18 months old. It
was one of those nights where the overwhelming thoughts would not stop entering
my mind. He was getting the "full service" from early
intervention with physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and
special education services all 2 - 3 times per week. I was confused,
scared, and looking for answers. Would my boy ever walk? Talk?
But what was on my mind that night most of all was, if Matthew never
learned to talk, how would he ever make friends.
It was time for a complete melt down.
I remember sitting in my kitchen telling my mom through my tears and into her drenched
shoulder, "he will never have any friends." I was picturing my
boy lonely and isolated forever. My mom's response was, "there will
be some very special people out there who will want to be his friend".
These words comforted me in the moment, but I could not really imagine
it.
Fast-forward about 7 years. Last
month. Matthew really wanted to
have a play date with his classmate Ava. I have met Ava's mom before so I
knew she was really approachable and has always been respectful and
understanding towards Matthew. So, I do it, I send an email asking if Ava
would like to play with Matthew sometime at our house. I give about 10
ways for Ava to "get out" of the play date in my email. Ava's
mom calls me back to say how excited her daughter would be to play with
Matthew. Before I know it, we have a play date set up. Ava will
even take the special needs van home with Matthew!
The kids arrive home, and Matthew is so
happy, so proud to have a play date. He immediately has to introduce Ava
to our neighbor. Ava (who is a beautiful, smiley, flexible, and kind 8
year old) goes with the flow of Matthew's afternoon routine. She knows
how much he enjoys rearranging garbage and recycling cans, and rolls the cans
up and down the neighbor's driveway with him in the cold for 25 minutes!
They come inside to have a snack and
continue playing, and I realize, Ava really likes Matthew for who he is.
Ava is one of the very special people that my mom told me about that
night in my kitchen 7 years ago.
