“It pisses me off when people argue and fight over trivial stuff,” my friend lamented. He spoke about his son with special needs, for the first time. His 14-year-old boy has severe autism, and needs help taking care of himself, even with the simplest of daily chores.
Every thing my friend does is to enable him to provide for his son, so this young boy can live an independent life, as he gets older, with dignity and grace. No easy task, given the circumstances. The immediate challenges are to enroll him in a school that might be able to teach him those skills. Overcome with emotion he silently wiped away his tears, and left me at a complete loss for words. I can’t imagine his private hell – maybe I just don’t allow my mind to explore the unthinkable.
I have new respect for my friend, and his selfless sacrifice. “I don’t work hard to drive a nice car or buy new things for myself,” he said in a soft tone. His focus is on his son, and HIS needs. There was really not a whole lot to say. As I walked away, I made a mental note to CONSTANTLY count my blessings. Life is strange – we sometimes learn more from the suffering of others, than we could ever learn from all the gifts bestowed on us.
About Hemant Rustogi
Well said, Rusty. So true!