To Sasha's Mama

You don't know me, but our sons are in the same classroom at school. My kid is the gentle giant (who is more giant than gentle most of the time). He can't quite keep up with the busy pace of 2 year olds, but he is trying and really wants to. He's still learning how to grade his movements and express his emotions with friends. He doesn't mean to hit or grab, but unfortunately, he does...a lot.

Consequently, my little son doesn't have many friends.

I am sure as a mother you can imagine how it feels to see kids avoid going near your child, how it feels to see him playing alone, just off from everyone else. I'm sure you can imagine how embarrassing and frustrating and sad it is to watch your sweet child hit another child in the face when you know he is only trying to wave hi to a friend and just can't quite get that close contact thing right. I'm sure you can imagine how scary it is to envision a friendless future for your child. I'm sure you understand how your heart breaks when you peer into the window and see your son sitting alone on a chair, watching with clear longing but paralyzing hesitation as all the other children play and laugh together.

So I wanted to thank you for whatever you have done to raise you son. For some inexplicable reason, you son has declared my son his "best friend." His teachers tell us that everywhere your son goes, he makes sure to take my son's hand and bring him along. He always gets two toys out to play, one for him and one for Little Bug. He always goes out of his way to make sure my son is included. My son sometimes hits him in the face when he gets too close or too excited, and yet, your son doesn't seem to mind one bit (and apparently has lightning fast ducking reflexes).

And yesterday I witnessed this friendship firsthand as your son took my son's hand and brought him over to me. I watched my son's initial surprise turn to delight (and even some pride) as he held his friend's hand and followed him over to his stunned mama. Then he grabbed my face and pointed over to your son over and over. He was excited to "introduce" me to his friend. Having a friend in his corner, someone who he can play and interact with on a personal and equal level, is just as, if not more important than all seven of his weekly therapy sessions combined. His therapists are working on his body, but your little son is working on my little son's soul.

So basically, your 2-year-old son is my hero.