Having a teenager is a little bit like walking a tightrope.
You tiptoe along, hope you are maintaining a balance between offering love and support, and encouraging independence and confindence.
Having a teenager with autism is like walking a tightrope with no net.
To be the parent my daughter needs me to be I have to send her off into the world each day.
I have to hope that people are kind, accepting and forgiving.
I have to cross my fingers and toes that her path crosses people who are understanding and supportive.
Thank goodness for my daughter, my sanity and her high school career, she has found friendship.
She has found, not just someone who is nice and sweet and answers the phone when she calls (even if it is one time too many), but someone who is truly a friend.
My sweet girl has found someone who sees past her autism, who makes sure she is included and speaks up when she is not.
She has found someone who likes her for the amazing person I see each and everyday, who offers her patience and understanding and a smile, no matter what.
I don’t think her friend will ever truly realize the gift she has given to all of us.
The “net” she has provided, not only to my daughter, but to me as well.
The tightrope walk of raising a teenager with autism is just a little bit easier knowing she has a true friend keeping her balanced each day.
This post was sponsored by Blingerz, the fun shoe decorations for girls. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Blingerz is offering a 50% off coupon, exclusively for our Facebook Fans. Also, Blingerz runs a weekly contest to celebrate Best Friends. All you do is fill out the form on the website and you are entered to win a Blingerz Best Friends prize package for your daughter and her best friend.
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I'm Jessica, 30-something mom to five, four in my arms and one in my heart.
Your daughter’s friend is truly wonderful!! It’s a reflection on how great Ashlyn too, that she has found someone who understands and accepts her.
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..I Wonder . . .
Twitter: AlisonSWLee
True friends are so important at this age. So happy that both girls are benefitting from the gift of this friendship.
I pray every day for Caleb (and Gracie, too) to find just such a friend! I love hearing from parents of teenagers on the spectrum. It gives me so much encouragement! =)
Ashley recently posted..The Crazy Express
Twitter: stinkerbabies
I am so glad that Ashlyn has found such an amazing friend an that you both have a “net.”
Lanie recently posted..Random H’s
A true friend is always such a blessing, and yes, a safety net when we need it. I can only imagine the challenge involved in finding a friend like that when you have autism or down syndrome or any other challenge in your life. I am so happy that your daughter has found hers
Stephanie recently posted..Learning Not To Judge
Twitter: supermomboots
I love that she’s found a bit of a net in the form of a great friend. A always sounds so wonderful, and I have no doubt that she is a wonderful friend, and I’m so glad she found someone to see that her autism is just one part of what makes her her and that we all have differences but we all have similarities, too.
angela recently posted..Freshening Up
What a precious gift for her and for you. Friends are SO important at that age.
Jenn recently posted..Sunday Stream of Pictures
Twitter: librajenn
I am so happy for her. And for you. What a wonderful gift!
Natalie @MamaTrack recently posted..The Roar of Silence
I love this gift – to all of you. it’s lovely. (truly)
Galit Breen recently posted..Walking Wishes
Twitter: galitbreen
We all need a “net”! What a gift.
Tonya recently posted..Looking Back & Forward
Twitter: letters4lucas