Valentines

There were years when filling out valentines for my son’s peers felt like a torturous act of futility.

One that only reminded me of the developmental stages that he had not yet reached.

He still does not read,

does not write more than a few letters independently,

and definitely does not recognize a signature signed on a heart-splashed cardboard.

He still does not show interest in candy.

He still would much rather play by himself,

sing to himself.

But I’m not still the person I was years ago.

I’m much different.

I have fallen completely into our world.

Today, I happily and excitedly prepare my son’s eight autistic peers valentines,

my son’s small but mighty community of friends,

who may not be that interested in each other, but who brave the playground together.

Who may not quite express interest in exchanges between friends, but, regardless, deserve any and all symbols of love that the universe has to offer.

…and for the record, traditional v-day cards are literally and basically dead trees. So…