Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Knowing She Was There Made Us Feel Much Less Alone


--by brunen, posted Nov 18, 2009

When my son was first diagnosed with Autism, it was a very hard time for us.  In some ways it was a relief, because we finally had a name for what was going on in our lives, but it also meant years more of uncertainty, and we didn't know what the future held.

When I shared the news with my coworkers, I was so surprised and happy to recieve so much immediate love and support from them.  They were focused on what we needed, as opposed to how it would affect my ability to make it to work.

One coworker in particular was amazing to my family and I.  She called me into her office a few days later, and gave me a "worry stone".  This is a small circular stone with an indention for your thumb.  It gives you something to focus on when you're worried, rubbing your thumb around on this stone.  It was a lovely gesture.

She then extended a permanent offer to drive us to any appointments or testing that we needed.  Considering the fact that we lived 90 minutes from where most treatments took place, this was a tremendous offer.  She made it very clear to me that this offer included last minute trips or emergencies.  Anytime we needed to go anywhere, she was willing to be our transportation.  She said that we needed to be able to focus on our son as opposed to having to divide our attention between the road and him.

We never did need to take her up on her wonderful offer, but knowing it was there and that she was so willing to help made it feel like we were much less alone. 

I'm tremendously grateful to her and everyone around us who rallied to be a support system in our time of need.  We were really overwhelmed by the level of support we received.

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Readers Comments

jsmc10 wrote: Thank you for sharing this story, i hope that life has got a bit easier for you
harriet wrote: God bless you and your family and the coworker
Sunbird wrote: I too am available, any questions about autistic teens. I have some experience.
warmth wrote: What a wonderful friend you have, god bless u and ur family and ur friend
LaineBailey wrote: I have a "worry stone" it was given to me by a person who i "stereo-typed" as someone unfriendy. In my hour of need,, she turned out to be the kindest,,most caring person i could imagine. I know what you mean.
luckyman wrote: Thanks for sharing!

It was a tremendous gesture on the part of your colleague the offer - 'i am available and do not hesitate to ask'. My faith in humanity was restored because of people like her.


AURELIA wrote: That's Awesome! You are so right, it's nice to know that they are there IF you ever need them. I'll keep your son in my prayers Brunen. God Bless. :0) Smiles are Contagious. ~Aurelia
FairyBubbles wrote: Your co-worker is a really lovely person. The world needs lots of people just like her. Bless your family.
grammagussie wrote: What a comfort to know you have a back up plan. Your co worker is a true friend. G_d bless you with the challenges you have ahead.SmileyCentral.comHugs...grammagussie

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