The daily exploration of Brian’s packback after school can be an adventure, because you just never know what you are going to find! Sometimes it’s an arts and crafts project, or a special notice of an upcoming event, but almost always, there is a notification from Brian’s teacher or therapists detailing  the highlights of his day. I always take a deep breath before reading such notes, as not all of them have been positive. Brian has been at his current school for a little over a year and it has been a time of great transition and adjustment for him. New people and routines took a long time to get used to, and with it, a lot of behaviors and a lot of phone calls! The staff’s unwavering devotion and persistence to help Brian adjust to his new environment and learn  has been nothing short of incredible. We are grateful beyond words for all that they do to help Brian succeed.

Today’s school note was a great one! Teacher said that Brian had a very good day, was successful in his work, and actively participated in a game with his classmates called “find your friends”, seeking them out, and finding some of them! My heart was so full when I read this….

Brian has come so far in this regard….there was a time when he had absolutely no interest in other children whatsoever. He didn’t want to leave the house in the early years and he didn’t even like us to hug him as a baby. Those days were dark, heartbreaking, and overwhelming. It was hard to conceive back then that our son would ever have a joyful life and want to have others to share it with based on his distress and simultaneous lack of engagement with people, places, and things.

But here we are today and so much has changed in the past decade! In Brian’s own time, he is seeking friends out and has become more sociable. He loves to wave to people, shake hands, and hug them to death sometimes, lol. I believe Brian would be a great friend if he just had the words (another irony, coming from such a long line of talkers!). Who knows how that could change too over this next decade, as Brian’s communication will hopefully continue to improve with his speech app on the i-pad. He may even speak for the first time! Hope really does spring eternal…

I love the line from the movie, It’s A Wonderful Life : ” No man is a failure who has friends”. At the end of the day, it is our relationships in life that count the most, more than material possessions and accolades. Our friends are special gifts from God who bring joy and comfort throughout all the seasons of our lives. I am glad that Brian now seeks that same joy and gives it back in ways that money can’t buy. 🙂

Until next time…thanks for reading!