Sometimes Mom just can't help

As most of you know, my son is a physically disabled 23 year old college student. He is intelligent, funny, polite and usually a joy to be around. Occasionally he gets in a bad mood, but don't we all? He has very definite likes and dislikes and he's a self-proclaimed geek. Here's the thing - he struggles to make friends. It has nothing to do with him not being friendly but he's a little shy and people simply don't want to make friends with the disabled guy. It sucks. A lot for him. A lot for his Mom, too.

Handsome son with Leia the Lovable

Since he's somewhat of a homebody, he has to "force" himself to get out and go places but where's a young man, who doesn't drink and has limited ability, going to go by himself and make friends? Think about it. It's not like an able-bodied person could even go to the mall and make a new friend while hanging out. It doesn't work that way. Unless he has a buddy along to start with. And the university he attends is untraditional enough that the majority of students are older, or married. Or, since they all commute, they are eager to go to class and go home - not stick around and make friends. Because undoubtedly, they already have friends.

He had a terrific high school experience and lots of "friends" there - not kids that came to the house but people he could talk to, eat lunch and share fun stories with. But after graduation, they all went their separate ways as young adults tend to do. He stays connected through Facebook and although his old friends claim they miss him, they don't make an attempt to visit him. He's even having problems making friends in an online game that he plays. The reasons seem to be that he types too slow, or doesn't roleplay "well enough". So what can a guy do?

I'll tell you what he does. He cries about it. Not all the time but enough to be miserable. And more than enough to break his Mother's heart. Because, while there isn't anything I wouldn't do for him, I can't make friends for him. Only he can do that. But I will always be there to take him places, to encourage him to reach out to others and show them what a great guy he really is, and to give him a hug when he is feeling especially lonely. And pray for a better day tomorrow for my precious kiddo.

If you're reading this, encourage your children and others to give a disabled person a chance. Most of them are just like you and me and want to be appreciated, respected and befriended. Imagine not having a single person to call a friend. You may just be the one person to make all the difference in someone's world.