07/13/2026
I love getting pictures of Aaden with his friends. ❤️
Aaden has always had a special friendship with Briar.
I think he was in first or second grade when he would run up behind her and kiss her arm. She never got upset, she would just smile. She has the sweetest, most calming smile.
It also became a really important teaching moment for Aaden. We worked on helping him understand that we don't kiss our friends to show love or appreciation. Instead we can ask for a hug, a high five or a fist bump.
Did it take time? Absolutely.
When you have communication and language challenges, it can be hard to find the right words or even the right actions to express those big feelings. Learning those social boundaries doesn't happen overnight, but Aaden has worked so hard.
Briar has always been so kind, patient and caring with him. So when I saw these pictures of her helping him at the front of the classroom, I wasn't surprised at all. Her calm, gentle nature is exactly why Aaden has always gravitated toward her. And as his mom, it absolutely melts my heart.
These are the moments that fill in the gaps where my worries tend to live.
As a parent of a child with a different ability, I worry. I worry that he is lonely. I worry that he's missing out on friendships and those special bonds that come so naturally to so many kids. I worry that he feels those differences, too.
But then I get pictures and videos like these.
I get to see him smiling, learning, laughing and surrounded by classmates who care about him. Those little glimpses into his school day quiet so many of my fears. They remind me that he belongs, that he is building meaningful friendships and that he is loved for exactly who he is.
And that gives me something every parent needs...hope❤️
