Someone sent me a message after I posted about Tommy going to France on his own and I wanted to laugh.
Let him?
He's 24.
And then I wondered if it was because he has autism. But here's the thing: I have been telling him ever since he was a little boy with his diagnosis that he can do anything he sets his mind on. Anything.
Life wasn't always easy. I'd get constant phone calls from his school because he was having meltdowns. But still, I always knew he'd be okay. He might do things in a different way, at a different time, but he'd get there.
He has impressed me as he grew. The way his mind works. It's fascinating.
He has an Associate's Degree in Video Cinematography.
He has a Bachelor's in Film & Media.
So yeah. I knew he'd be fine in France.
And he was.
He kept me updated so I had proof of life.
He ended up having a wonderful time. He spoke some French over there. He went to all the popular landmarks.
He ate tons of French pastries.
He rode the metro.
He brought me home some macaroons.
And of course I worried. I'm a parent.
But I remembered what I told him throughout his life: you can do anything.
And he's proven that.
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I am so impressed that Tommy is living his best life. You have raised an adventurous young man. As the grandparent of an autistic 9 year old boy, I hope he also knows he can do anything in this world.
ReplyDeleteI love this so much! Tommy is 24, and it sounds like he had an amazing time making Paris his own adventure. The “proof of life” updates made me laugh because no matter how grown our kids are, we still want to know they’re okay. You’ve always believed in him, and I know you must be so proud seeing him go after the things he wants.
ReplyDeleteI love this. Good for him AND for you! It's hard to let the kids be anything and do anything if you stifle them with worry. I love both of your attitudes.
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ReplyDeleteI'm impressed that you put your words into action. It's hard to give the kids the space they need to grow into the adults they're becoming, and it would be so easy to use autism as an excuse to hold on too tightly.
I think the fact that he went on his own is AMAZING! Travel changes a person so much, and the independence it gives you as you have to navigate things yourself is truly sometimes you can't replicate by just staying at home,
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