Do They Care About Others?

Today, I'd like to tell you a story - a true story.

Once upon a time...no, wait, this happened on Sunday.

My spouse and I were driving "B", my brother in law who has autism, to the supermarket.  He was out of lunchbags and we needed to pick up something for a quick lunch.

"B" isn't big on idle chatter.  If something is on his mind, he blurts it out, whether or not the moment is appropriate or not.  At least, it was an appropriate moment.

"What are you doing for C's birthday?", he asked.

We've had so many things on our minds recently.  And, with my mother in law's recent falls, it most probably was not on her mind.

But "B" knew better.  He only has one sister, "C", and that sister was going to celebrate a milestone birthday later this year.

And all of us had forgotten.

"What should we do, "B"? I asked him.  I was curious about how he would answer.

How about having it on ______, so we can also celebrate "A"'s birthday?, "B" responded.  The date in question was a milestone birthday for my son.  Trouble was, the date was several months in the future, way after my sister in law's birthday.  But "B" was keeping track of everyone's birthday, no doubt about that.

After a couple of more questions, I realized that "B" had it all planned.  The date.  The restaurant.  Even who should be invited.

I don't know why I should be surprised.  Why do we, as a society, underestimate (and undervalue) people with autism?  And, furthermore, why do we feel they don't love anyone?

They may not show love the ways we neurotypical (people without autism) folks think love should be shown.  But that love is there.  And, in the midst of us worrying about so many things, "B" was thinking of his sister first.

Now, for an announcement.

This is my 1800th post.  No giveaway.  Just a big thank you.
Thank you, dear readers for making my writing of this blog worthwhile.