There’s nothing better than his hugs.

It’s been said that autistic people lack empathy. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

You see, this week, I have suffered from bacterial bronchitis and asthma. The two combined have made it a very difficult time, to say the least. If you don’t have asthma, think about the feeling of a brick on your chest—each and every breath takes so much work that you literally have almost no energy. 

My husband has been a rockstar this week, taking over the house and the care of the boys. I have had to focus on getting better. Whenever I’m sick, I worry about my boy particularly. You see, I’m his person. 

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But you know what? This boy of mine? He knows. He sees. He understands. He definitely does not lack empathy.

When he comes home from ABA, he is ever so gentle. He sidles up next to me in my bed, carefully arranging a nest of pillows and covering himself up with my fluffy throw blanket. Then, he comes up to me with the most precious, gentle, and pure hug.

It’s the kind of hug that warms not only your heart but deep down to your soul. It’s the kind that heals your heart, fills your cup, and shows you just how much love your heart can hold. The love you feel is overflowing. 

It brings you back to the time when you would wonder if he would let you into his world—after the regression and before the diagnosis. 

You wondered, but you never doubted. You never gave up. You gave him all the hugs and kisses. You said I love you one thousand times a day.

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It wasn’t always said with words, either, but in the look of my amber brown eyes as I gaze into his golden honey brown eyes. I have always known the love he has. 

But these hugs . . . they are the best medicine. They make the pain subside as I realize just how amazing my boy is.

He’s not so little anymore, either. He’s almost as tall as me, actually, and he’s built like a brick house. His heart, though, it’s the purest, sweetest, and most gentle ever.

This sweet boy . . . he doesn’t lack empathy one bit. In fact, he is the most empathetic person I know. He is pure, gentle, and true. He is just what the doctor ordered.

Originally published on the author’s Facebook page