What is a {BFF}?

Over the weekend I was teasing G about me being his "BFF".  Being a boy, he thought at first I was hilarious but then asked me what a "BFF" was.  When I told him what it stood for, he refused to say I was his "BFF" cause "that is what girls say".  I seriously love having a boy, he is so spot on for his age when he scoffs at anything related to girls:)  Makes me have the smiles with how far he's come in his development:)

But it got me thinking..... Often in my online support groups regarding Autism, someone admits how lonely their life is and wonders if the rest of us have the same issue trying to hold onto a social life when you have a special needs child.  This happens at least once every couple of weeks.  NOT every parent of a special needs child is lonely, don't get me wrong, but majority are.  These sad posts are usually a good reminder for the parents who are so fortunate to have found an angel friend in life who genuinely wants to help and be part of the good, bad and ugly.  The angel friend that wants to learn the ins and outs of how to put an "applesauce cocktail" together, who will ask questions to figure out how to be of better help vs. just looking to roll their eyes at you for all the "crazy" things the rest of the world thinks you do so they can gossip behind your back.

For the rest of special needs Warriors (aka, moms and dads) who aren't so lucky, life keeps on going and you have to figure out creative ways to keep from absolutely going into full blown depression.  One key thing that is brought up often is having a strong marriage.  Most people don't realize, 80% of parents of special needs kids end up divorced.  Shocked?  Probably not.  If you don't have to deal with the daily stress of fighting off bullies (and it's just not kids from school, it's a lot of parents), doctor appts, if next months paycheck will cover your child's most needed medications or supplements, why poop is fizzing, why is the poop black, is it floating due to fat or yeast, is the teacher at school going to remember my child can't play with Play-doh because it has gluten in it, insurance dropped us because of too many therapy sessions....The list goes on and on.... Then why would you know that statistic even exists?

Sadly, parents of special needs children long for a friend they can hang out with, take their mind off of the stress of raising an imperfect child in the eyes of society.  But not many people of children who don't have all the issues to be labeled, "special needs" will reach out.  I think Warrior parents are viewed by society as living in the "medical bubble" and are taken care of.  How messed up is that??  The medical world fights you tooth an nail to not have to pay for services, therapy, meds, special food etc...  It's a pathetic world we live in when those who need the most help are ignored the most.

Anyway, I put a poll up, I'm just curious how many of you have an angel BFF in life?  Are you one of the lucky ones or are you longing for something more?  This poll isn't just for parents of special needs kids, it's for all those reading my blog (which I think is down to like 2 people);) 

One thing for certain in my home though is, G is my BFF whether he likes it or not;)  And, I'm married to a strong Warrior guy who sees the messed up society and keeps us strong no matter what:)  I may not have a BFF outside of the walls of my house, but at least I know I'm not alone in the special needs world, even if our friendships never leave cyberworld.