“This week is homecoming week for our school. Each day the kids have a theme to dress up to. Zachary is my little boy. He is in first grade and has Asperger’s and ADHD. He is one of the most compassionate people you will ever have the chance of meeting, but he tends to wear his heart on his sleeve.
Monday was superhero day. Zach woke up ready but a little apprehensive to wear his Flash costume. I assured him that everyone was dressing up and that he would have so much fun joining in. I also let him know that if at any point he felt uncomfortable, he could take it off and place it in his backpack.
Unfortunately, that happened within five minutes of being in class. A couple of his classmates pointed and laughed which caused Zach to breakdown. The very thing he feared most happened despite others being dressed up as well. Some of his friends attempted to reassure him but they were fighting a losing battle.
That evening I had several parents reach out to me to check on him. Their children came home concerned if he was okay because they knew how upset it made him. That night I asked Zach if he would still like to participate in homecoming week and he said, ‘Yes ma’am, let’s try again.’
So, we got to work on his costume for Tacky day. He woke up so excited and happy! He eagerly put it on and was ready to go. As soon as we pull up to the school, anxiety got the best of him. He became upset and took everything we worked so hard on off in fear of being laughed at again.
That evening I received a message from one of his classmates’ parents asking if her little boy could go as Zach’s twin for twin day the next day. I knew how much that would mean to Zach so without question I said, ‘Absolutely.’
A few more parents asked if Zach could be their child’s twin too. We decided all 5 kids would go as M&Ms and that we would meet for pictures before school. Wednesday came and it was time to meet. We pull in to find 20+ M&Ms of all ages and grades standing there waiting to see Zach. He was amazed!
‘Mama!! Do you see all of my friends!’
Some great friends/parents put the word out that Zach was going as an M&M and they all wanted to show up dressed the same in support of him. I was in shock!
THIS is what it’s all about. THIS is the world I want my children growing up in. It’s okay to be different. What’s ‘normal’ anyways? If everyone were the same, what a dull place it would be.
Teach your children to love one another. To help one another. To be there in support. The change we want in this world can only come from us and the legacies we leave. Make them good ones.” ♥️
*** Kayla Johnston ***