Proud

I share a lot about B-man.  I try to share the funny stuff.  He's incredibly funny.  I sometimes share the hard stuff because people need to know that he's not all fun and games.  I try not to share things that will embarrass him, my other boys and or anyone else.  I'm learning a lot about that from Jess at Diary of a Mom.

At any rate, all this sharing has an it's intended consequence, people love B-man.  They are a little more aware of Autism.  But I must warn you, people are unique.  People with autism and people without autism.  There's a little saying "once you've meet one person with autism, you've met one person with autism."

I love our community.  I am privileged to be friends with a lovely group of women.  These women are raising the most wonderful group of kiddos.  They are all so sweet with B.  They are patient with him.  They give him whatever he wants.  This pains me some times.  I have been known to say "You don't have to give him your slinky.  He's fine."

It occurs to me that some of this comes with being the youngest in a large group of kids.  The oldest look out for the youngest.  But it's something a little bit different.  They don't seem so put out with him when he gets upset.  They protect him.  They look at me like I'm an idiot when I try to explain that B is different.  They don't seem to care.

B chillin' at the trampoline park

A couple of weekends ago we were at a local trampoline park.  This was perfect example of how these kiddos treat B.  They give him his space when he needs it. They teach him when they can.  I didn't get any photos of them in the dodgeball game.  But they showed him how to play and protect them the best they can.  And they indulge him.

Sam holding B up while one of Sam's friends
stays on his knees to let B dunk on him. 

I'm so proud of these kids.  I'm proud of my boys who show them how to treat B.  I'm proud to be a part of this community.  A community that is teaching kids that's it's ok to be different.