Friends make the world go round...

My son Nick is 13 years of age and he is autistic. He is quite the challenged teenager and due to this fact we don't have any kids knocking on our door to come and play with him. My son has no concept of sleepovers or the joys of playing sport. He doesn’t do movies or any of those other fun things that kids enjoy. He just doesn't *get* the whole friendship thing!

Although this saddens me immensely, I have to be thankful that Nick doesn't realise what he is missing out on! He is perfectly content with the people in his life, although he is an out of sight, out of mind type of kid (or so I think!). Perhaps one day, he will come to understand the true meaning of friendship. 


My precious boy is also not aware that he has actually given me a wonderful gift. He has given me my friends. It is thanks to him that over the last twelve or so years, I have met some really incredible people. 


In the early days, I didn't know a soul who had a child like mine. As you can imagine, it was a lonely time for me. However, as time has moved on, my circle of friends has grown and I feel very fortunate to share my life with each and every one of them. 


The internet has also brought new friends, wonderful people who all share a common bond....our children! We may not have met each other face to face but I can certainly feel the friendship connection. 


Last but not least, I must mention the friends that don't have a connection with autism and special needs, except through *me*. These friends remind me that life is not all about my son. They make me laugh. They make me forget. They are there if I need them. They make me feel normal. They keep me balanced.

"I get by with a little help from my friends." 

- John Lennon

I created this picture over at... 

keepcalm-o-matic

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Di feels that she really hasn't done justice to this post about friends. However, she is busy writing up lists for her husband and packing suitcases. In a few days time Di and her first born will be winging their way to the UK. She is not ashamed to admit that she is looking forward to some time away with her son Thomas. She also knows that her husband and Nick are going to be just fine without her!!!


Di blogs over at.... The Bright Side of Life
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