They were in the car, driving to a coordinating meeting for a non-profit that helps out homeless families by giving them shelter and rehabbing them back into the mainstream. (I have a sister in California who worked for an outfit called COTS that did the same thing.)
During the update call with mom, I could hear NJ in the background. He was trying to perform some trick with a pen, and the one he was using in the back seat (ahem) somehow broke.
As usual, he was on a mission. And he wasn't happy about the broken pen.
But the important thing was where they were driving.
The non-profit is something Mel got involved with. She's a fundraiser by profession, and decided to take her considerable skills to this organization.
One of the things they say about some aspies is that they don't have compassion for others.
I disagree.
Lately, NJ has been noticing collection buckets, signs and advertising for random groups that help homeless children (you often see such signs at grocery stores).
He regularly comments on them. "Aww. I think we should build a facility to help homeless children and help them have food, shelter and computers."
On NJ's Maslow's hierarchy, computers come just after food and shelter (or sometimes before!).
He even drew out a map of such a facility the other day with colored pens, showing the housing, the cafeteria, etc.
My point is, it would be so easy to assume he couldn't care less.
And not even to try to open his eyes to the plight of the less fortunate. Hey, kids with AS don't care about others, right?
Don't believe the hype.
Again, this reminds me of the importance of keeping in mind that each kid is unique, and you can't assume anything.
Sometimes, as with any good parent, you just try to lead the way... and whether they follow or not, at least you're still doing the right thing anyway.
In this case, it's his mommy who's doing the leading. I'm just doing the watching. And I'm impressed.
Peace. Happy Sunday.
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