April 2nd, just another date.

I don't like awareness days and months. Honestly, I've never understood the point of them. Yes, you can wear your color, and light your light bulbs, but then what? Are you going to make an actual change? Are you going to do something that shows you learned something?

I never thought I would have such a close relationship with someone autistic. Then almost 5 years ago, I gave birth to my awareness. I knew around 6 months old, that I got a different one. It's funny to me, in high school one of our teachers used to say, "don't make fun of someone different than you, you still don't know what you're going to get." That always stuck with me. I mean, he said that at least 18 years ago, I think. I have always tried to be friends with everyone, unless I had a reason not to. I'd like to think I'm a pretty good judge of who is a good person to be friends with, and who isn't. So, you would think based on his warning, I made fun of people different than me.

But I didn't, because having Baduka has been one of my greatest joys in life.

Sure, there's been days where the autism awareness level has been through the roof. I joke, and say his autism rash is flaring on those days. And there's been days where I've cried at the frustration, and the questions, and the what next. But then I turn, and he's reading a book. I'm so amazed at who he is becoming.

And those are the times that I like to think that I got Baduka, because I am friends with those that are different. I am aware of those that may be harder to get to know, and love. And whoever was in charge of placing that amazing boy into my life knew that I didn't need a day, or a month, or a color, or a bulb to know that I would love him. I would love him so much.

Be nice to people, no matter who they are. Some of your greatest joys and days will come from it. Stop using a date on the calendar to realize true friendships can be found in faces all around you. Accept that some people have a different path in life to take, but that doesn't mean you can't walk a few steps with them. I promise you both will part ways better for it.