Ten years ago today this happened:
Today my baby boy is ten years old.
TEN.
Ten.
10.
Double digits, baby.
What a wild ride it’s been with this kid.
We celebrated with his friends on Sunday. He invited 5 of his friends and his favourite teacher to the movies to see Wreck-It Ralph (loved it!) and then back to our house for pizza, cake, pinata and presents.
I drove several of the kids back from the theatre to our house in my van. On the way home I thanked the kids for coming to Cuyler’s birthday party and told them it really means alot to him they they could celebrate with him. I thanked them for being good friends to Cuyler. A few of the replies I heard were “Cuyler is so funny!” “I’ve been to every one of his birthday parties” “I like Cuyler”
But the one that resonated the most was “Cuyler is cool. He’s my friend but he’s a different friend.”
That’s it exactly.
He’s their friend. He’s different.
His friendships aren’t typical but they are friendships. He has connections with these kids.
When he was much younger and newly diagnosed I was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to connect with people/peers. It makes my heart happy that he does indeed have connections with these kids.
It was apparent at his party on Sunday. It was such a great day.
That’s it exactly.
He’s their friend. He’s different.
His friendships aren’t typical but they are friendships. He has connections with these kids.
When he was much younger and newly diagnosed I was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to connect with people/peers. It makes my heart happy that he does indeed have connections with these kids.
It was apparent at his party on Sunday. It was such a great day.
The gang’s all here!
PIZZA!
The cake. His smile says it all.
Happy birthday gorgeous boy!
Love it! What a great post, Christine, and Happy Birthday Cuyler!
Happy Birthday, Culyer!
You know, the kids have it right. Marley is teaching me a lot about how adults project worries, fear and judgements onto events or situations. Marley really likes “M” he has autism but Marley says he has asthma. I notice I’m probing, question, looking, (for what?)
Me – Marley, what is “M” like? Marley – Like a kid
Me – What does the teacher says when he runs away? Marley – Miss Lou lou gets him.
Me – Do you play with him? Marley – Yes, mum why do asks so many questions about “M”
And there is is, I’m poking around a non-problem to see if I can find one, identify it and solve it. Sigh, as if…The kids like M, he goes to the parties, he can kick and hit and he can play and be kind. I ask myself, why so many questions, mum?
Score one for the kids.
Happy birthday to the awesome Cuy!!!!