Empathy

Two things of note happened today. First, I got some really bad news about a loved one’s health. TJ was with me at the time, and he knew I was upset.

Second, he had a dentist’s appointment. Two cavities. And even with nitrous, he was in for a rough afternoon.

So I went to the hospital. TJ went to the dentist. A few hours later, I got a text: “Mom, I have something that will cheer you up! They’re going to make a Despicable Me 4 and Gru has a kid.”

I answered: “Awesome! And just hearing from you cheers me up!”

And it did. Here he was, having just been through the wringer at the dentist, and his only thought was to cheer me up. To all those who say kids with autism have no empathy, I say, “yeah, right.” TJ is the most naturally thoughtful of my children. He’s pleased to go eat “wherever you want to go” and refuses to take the last piece of pizza or the last cookie. He’s the one that cautioned me when he noticed the drain loose in our shower – “I don’t want you to hurt yourself, mom.” He’s got the biggest heart. And doesn’t have a mean bone in his body.