April 1st , 10 PM. Posted on April 2nd.
He pulls his chair towards me and looks into my eyes and asks – Explain to me what is Autism?
I think this was the best thing that happened to me today. I educated one person to know the special needs world in a better way.
As the last week of March approached I wanted to write more about what Awareness means to us. I printed some fliers and my manager offered to share them with a bigger audience. I printed some posters and posted in the kitchen area on all 8 floors at work. It was last week and I wasn’t even sure if anyone would look into them.
Today being a Monday brings a whole different perspective in life. It was a beautiful sunny day, Husband worked from home so I drove, so unusual for Monday. Instead of taking my morning nap I was stuck in the car for longer than usual. A terrible car accident made sure I stayed on the road longer. After usual phone calls to sisters and parents I still had time to plan my day. I wanted to do more than just posting that notice for Autism Awareness day. Somehow, I thought what I did wasn’t working. I needed to do something better.
It was a crazy work day but I still managed to execute my plan. The wonderful security guard agreed that I could post some in the corridor area. She is the first one I encounter every day at work, she is the first good morning for me. She is the one who notices first when I wear a saree. She said unfortunately I cannot wear blue, must wear my uniform but I will wear blue earrings may be. Such a nice gesture, cannot wait to see her tomorrow.
After lunch I went to each and every floor with tape and poster in my hand. I walked out of the elevator and pasted one above the elevator ring and walked back in. People were observing. It was on the fourth floor a girl, an Indian girl asked me why I was posting those signs. What is it about. I told her about Anand and the reason I am doing it. She smiled and said, never knew but now I will wear blue tomorrow. I said don’t wear unless you mean it so please read about awareness and acceptance. Her reassuring smile and words were very comforting knowing I did make a difference in one person’s mind.
I walked back to my desk thinking of sending a reminder. I took my manager’s email and added Anand’s and my picture with a note. Before I knew I had some emails in my inbox. People who don’t know me shared their stories, some admired my note, some asked questions but most pledged to wear blue tomorrow.
And then all of sudden, “S” asked about Autism. S and I have been working together for the last 8 months, we sit next to each other so we are aware of the day to day happenings in our lives through various conversations. He is from Eritrea and we both share many immigrant traits. He had many Indian teachers growing up and remembers some Indian stuff. His curiosity to know more about Autism was heartwarming. I explained to him the not so usual life we lead, about the joys and the happiness and the heartbreak and the difficulties we share. I hope I made some sense, but more than that I educated him and it will make a difference in someone else’s life.
I call it a night knowing I answered a few questions, educated someone, connected to a few I wouldn’t have otherwise. I am smiling looking at my blue saree ready to be draped tomorrow knowing fully well I will not be alone..
Stay tuned for next story..A day of blue..
I think this was the best thing that happened to me today. I educated one person to know the special needs world in a better way.
As the last week of March approached I wanted to write more about what Awareness means to us. I printed some fliers and my manager offered to share them with a bigger audience. I printed some posters and posted in the kitchen area on all 8 floors at work. It was last week and I wasn’t even sure if anyone would look into them.
Today being a Monday brings a whole different perspective in life. It was a beautiful sunny day, Husband worked from home so I drove, so unusual for Monday. Instead of taking my morning nap I was stuck in the car for longer than usual. A terrible car accident made sure I stayed on the road longer. After usual phone calls to sisters and parents I still had time to plan my day. I wanted to do more than just posting that notice for Autism Awareness day. Somehow, I thought what I did wasn’t working. I needed to do something better.
It was a crazy work day but I still managed to execute my plan. The wonderful security guard agreed that I could post some in the corridor area. She is the first one I encounter every day at work, she is the first good morning for me. She is the one who notices first when I wear a saree. She said unfortunately I cannot wear blue, must wear my uniform but I will wear blue earrings may be. Such a nice gesture, cannot wait to see her tomorrow.
After lunch I went to each and every floor with tape and poster in my hand. I walked out of the elevator and pasted one above the elevator ring and walked back in. People were observing. It was on the fourth floor a girl, an Indian girl asked me why I was posting those signs. What is it about. I told her about Anand and the reason I am doing it. She smiled and said, never knew but now I will wear blue tomorrow. I said don’t wear unless you mean it so please read about awareness and acceptance. Her reassuring smile and words were very comforting knowing I did make a difference in one person’s mind.
I walked back to my desk thinking of sending a reminder. I took my manager’s email and added Anand’s and my picture with a note. Before I knew I had some emails in my inbox. People who don’t know me shared their stories, some admired my note, some asked questions but most pledged to wear blue tomorrow.
And then all of sudden, “S” asked about Autism. S and I have been working together for the last 8 months, we sit next to each other so we are aware of the day to day happenings in our lives through various conversations. He is from Eritrea and we both share many immigrant traits. He had many Indian teachers growing up and remembers some Indian stuff. His curiosity to know more about Autism was heartwarming. I explained to him the not so usual life we lead, about the joys and the happiness and the heartbreak and the difficulties we share. I hope I made some sense, but more than that I educated him and it will make a difference in someone else’s life.
I call it a night knowing I answered a few questions, educated someone, connected to a few I wouldn’t have otherwise. I am smiling looking at my blue saree ready to be draped tomorrow knowing fully well I will not be alone..
Stay tuned for next story..A day of blue..
My talented nephew Sushen designed this for me .. A cousin's love..
First floor elevator, I am sure few stoped and read and few didn't bother.
A chettinad cotton Saree, waited so long finally ready to be drapped.
Sometimes I wonder if I didnt wear the saree on that Sunny April 2nd in 2015.. That one day changed what saree means to me now..
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