My The Force Be With You

November 11, 2011January 16, 2021 Amy Sheridan

The force is strong with you, young padawan…

I saw this story on OffBeat Bride. No, I’m not getting married, but I like to look at all the pretty pictures and see different folks and their fancy and unique wedding attire.

However, I read this article and had to share it. Here is a little excerpt: (taken with permission from Ariel Stallings of OffBeat Empire)

“T, the flower girl, had spent the morning hiding under the bed. She has autism, and the prospect of an event with all those people was pretty daunting. T’s aunty finally coaxed her out from under the bed with the promise of a Yoda backpack.”

I felt SO strongly for this little girl and for this family…reading about how they wanted this adorable flowergirl in their wedding, but her autism can make every day a struggle, never mind an important day. Her aunt (Bless her soul, truly) figured out how to related to T on her level and make her comfortable.

I won’t share the whole story, as you can read it HERE. I know there are times when life with autism can be down right exhausting and the LAST thing that you need to/want to/have to deal with is your child having a meltdown on an important day. Sometimes, no matter how much planning you do or how much you prepare them, things can end up with your little one under the bed.

I applaud this aunt who took the time to make this child feel included, special and comfortable on what would have been a very daunting and overwhelming day otherwise. And don’t think I did not miss the mentoring undertones of the backpack either. We all need a little aid, a kind & sage voice in our ear encouraging us to be brave in the face of fear. Take a look at the picture above and tell me you do not see calmness and safety in that cherubic face…

“My ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is…”