Thank you so much for this very moving message! You are exactly right. Our son did have some tiny quirks (not quite visible enough to be diagnosed with aspergers but it just made him stand out, as you say) and he was constantly bullied in high school. This caused him a lot of pain and like you he is shy, but so sweet. His father and I did not realize the extent to which he was holding all of this inside. If we had we probably would have had him move schools, although kids are pretty much the same everywhere. It did explode, as you say, into some depression that was painful. I want to tell you this, though, and it is so important: my son is now 19 and things DO get better. That experience made him stronger. And it has made you strong already because I sense such intelligence in you and openness of heart. I can tell you are amazing! Just like my son. And all that time in his room? Not going to lame parties that he was not invited to? He spent it learning about computer languages and studying philosophy. He is sailing through university and getting into highly selective computer science research programs and is finally happy and making friends! You are going to be just fine! Do talk to your mom and dad though. Getting our son a therapist was a big part of him pulling through that difficult time. I think it helped him find his identity and see himself beyond his “disability”. Your letter moved me to tears because it is written from a place of compassion. You have a big heart and you already know how to put yourself in others’ shoes. That is something many adults don’t even know how to do! And it is what makes us powerful as human beings. Not Neanderthals like the bullies at school who are themselves super insecure. That is not power, it is weakness. Anyway, I thank you for your wisdom. You are 100% correct. Stay strong my young friend! You are extraordinary. Please keep me posted on your progress through school. And don’t let anyone take your joy! Here’s to the shy (and powerful) ones! 🙌🙌🙌✨✨✨
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