Yesterday I missed church....the beginning of the year. A little disappointed, but fate as it was had deemed it for me not to miss messages. A good friend of mine, gave her son an surprise birthday party. Needless to say, it was far away from where I lived. I needed the break after dealing with people whom I thought would be a therapist dream come true ( A manic depressive, an alcoholic and people who you just should not be around if you want to do positive things). Anyway, as I observed this young man in action...my heart was moved at the way he loved his mother...respected other women and people. Our eyes met and he came over to talk with me and shook my hand...at first I wanted him to leave....then I could not get enough of him. Yet all during our conversation he kept shaking my hands...he then opposed me with three questions of things that troubled him.
1. Why he could not get channel 7 on his tv.
2. How do he get a cell phone connection.
3. Why do people take days off?
As we talked about cell phones and TV sets....a chill shot through my body, and then I knew, that after dealing with the people who were suppose to be normal, talking with him was a welcome change. The simplicity and honesty of his questions and the seriousness in his eyes, where as innocent as a child. I was there for only one hour, and learned one of the most important lessons of my life through this young man. Although, he is 32 yrs. of age....and me nearly 50....you are never too old to learn. You see he has autism....something that we may never understand unless you care for someone with this disorder, or you are lucky enough to be loved by someone with this disorder.
So when I encounter people who are suppose to be normal...and steadily try to bring me down. I think of this young man....and it shows me what the other side of normal can be like. I love it.
