He Inspires Me

My son, he's in high school, and I admit, I worried when he first started. Would people be kind to him? Would he get overwhelmed and have a meltdown?

We found out he had autism when he was a tiny boy. He'd have meltdowns in Kindergarten, and no one could figure out why, until he got the official autism diagnosis. I was scared; of course I was. Back then, people were still learning about autism. We had to figure out ways to help him.

He's come a long way since then.

I don't know how it happened, but he's nearly done with high school. He has one year left. One year. And for awards night, two teachers nominated him for most inspirational.

I'm not surprised. No matter how tough life gets, he keeps going. I know he's had a few panic attacks at school where he actually cries. I know this because I find wadded up tissues in his pockets. I can tell when he comes home if he's had a rough day. It's not because kids are mean to him, it could mean that the schedule changed, or a teacher shouted at the class. Tommy has never been able to cope with that. He feels like he has disappointed the teacher in some way.


He doesn't give up.


He's not your typical high school student. He doesn't play sports. He isn't in any after school programs. He doesn't have a ton of friends. Only a select few. He has been to any school dance.


But he enjoys making and editing videos. That's his thing. That's what he does.


If I ever think I can't do something I remember, yes, I can, because Tommy can. He's in a world that's too noisy and often confusing (why don't people just say what they mean?), but he doesn't give up.



He's my inspiration.

Always.