We flew home the next morning.
Our plans were to stay longer in Utah.
When we got home, there was no tree.
We didn’t bring along the presents we got from grandmom and granddad.
Maybe that’s my punishment for breaking the bed.
Mom said that I wasn’t being punished.
I could tell she was really trying to explain things to me.
She said that granddad was saying that there was something wrong with me.
I said there was, sort of – I had Aspergers.
Mom said, “That’s not wrong, sweetheart.
It’s who you are.
It makes you perfectly who you are.
It is not a mistake.
It is not something we can discipline out of you.
Nor would we want to.
Granddad just doesn’t understand.
He still loves you.
He just has trouble understanding you, which we are not okay with.
Please don’t feel that you have done anything wrong.”
I will have to think about this.
It still feels lonely without grandmom and granddad at Christmas.
And no tree, because we left the tree in Utah.
aileenhower's Blog 
First, the poetic structure of this piece makes it so powerful.
Second, the message you provided to your son, that nothing is wrong and it’s nothing that can or should be fixed, is a powerful one. That’s something more kids need to hear when they have something beyond their control that’s part of them.
Thank you, Stacey.
I had to go back and read Part One – so powerful. The words almost lingered exactly where they should – so the reader slowed down and felt each word, each moment. I have been unplugged for two months — so I have a lot of catching up to do –this post grabbed me and makes me want to read all day!! Thank you for continuing to share your heart and wisdom.
Clare
Thanks for continuing to read and encourage!
Beautifully written!
Many people who don’t understand things claim that there is something wrong. There isn’t. That is why education and conversation are so important. I’m sure we all do things things at times that make people wonder what is wrong with us.
Thank you for sharing this story. I am so glad that you are sharing your family’s journey with Aspergers. You have such a powerful message.
Thank you 😊