Dear Tomas,
You are the one person in the world who has and will continue to make an unforgettable impact on my life. Without you, I would not have been shaped into the person that I am today.
Tomas, you may not realize this, but you have displayed so much resiliency and success throughout the years with the help of our persistent, irrepressible, and supportive parents. Years ago, a woman told you to only use sneakers with Velcro because she claimed that you may never be able to learn how to tie your shoe laces correctly.
Yet, look at you now, a rising junior in a mainstream high school who has been able to tie your own sneakers correctly for years. You took this opportunity among other situations as well to prove wrong the people who have doubted you. By this, you have taught me resiliency.
This year, when shaving you accidentally cut your face and bled, for a while, you were worried to shave your face independently. However, you built up your strength and did it on your own again. By this, you have taught me courage.
Tomas, you are one of the most empathetic people I know. Whenever you hear me cry or display any open act of emotion, you immediately ask, “Is everything ok?” You have taken so much interest and care into my life and others. By this, you have taught me empathy.
These are just a few of the many values that you have taught me. Some people may think that having a sibling with autism is a burden, but in my eyes, it is truly a blessing. I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. I am so lucky and grateful to have you in my life. I will always cherish our times spent together whether it be taking out Oliver for walks or driving to Chipotle for a sibling dinner.
Love,
Ariana
I wish that more people in the world could be lucky enough to meet Tomas. I am so fortunate to have this platform to share my voice. I want people to take from this and learn to have an open mind about meeting and creating connections with people like Tomas.
Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. What may be hard for you, may be super easy for Tomas and vice versa. Tomas does not want you to feel sorry for him. Tomas just wants to make friends and be accepted for being himself.
