My son has a unique perspective on friendship. He perceives everyone he encounters as a friend—whether it’s cartoon characters, random adults in a store, or even insects. He never asks, “Who is this?” Instead, he eagerly inquires, “Who is this friend?”
In public, he greets every passerby with a cheerful “hi” and is the type of child who will sit next to a stranger in a waiting room and introduce himself. To him, every little girl in a dress is a princess, and he addresses them as such.
Despite his unwavering belief that everyone is his friend, the reality is different. After my partner joined the Navy, we relocated 1,100 miles away from our familiar support network of friends and family. Prior to our move, my only connection was a fellow mom, which limited my son’s interaction with peers.
Now, in a new place where I don’t know anyone with children, I’ve taken him to the local playground in hopes of fostering connections. Unfortunately, I’ve lost count of how many times he approached other kids, only to be ignored, turned away, or even treated unkindly. It’s a heartbreaking experience to witness your child being the one who is left out.
Adding to the challenge, my son is larger than most children his age and isn’t quite at the same developmental level as his peers. Despite his warm and friendly nature, he struggles to fit in.
Over time, our visits to the playground became less frequent. I couldn’t bear to see him repeatedly rejected, sitting alone while other kids grouped together in laughter. Eventually, he stopped seeking out others, resigning himself to being the outsider, and we decided to take a break from the playground altogether.
Yet, outside of those playground experiences, my son continues to embrace a positive outlook. He remains hopeful and resilient, convinced that everyone he meets is a friend. I aspire for him to be the one who includes the new kid or the one who feels out of place. I dream that he will be the reason no child feels left behind.
Though my son may not have friends in the traditional sense, he embodies the spirit of friendship, making him truly special.
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In summary, while my son might not have traditional friendships, his open heart and optimistic spirit remind us all of the importance of kindness and connection.
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