The first school Lee went to was a neighborhood public school. At that time the diagnosis of “Autism” was so new to teachers, parents and students. We were all trying to learn together how to cope.

Lee was first placed in a Pre-School/Kindergarten Program for Special Needs kids. Then he graduated to first, second and third grade with the help of his own personal aid, Harold. Lee’s best friend was Harold.

Harold was also our school bus driver and a true friend to Lee. They even share the same birthday and often celebrate together. Growing up, Lee didn’t have a lot of friends. Kids were nice to him, but there was no one to hang out with, so Harold was Lee’s only real friend. Most of Lee’s other teachers were nice, but all business. Lee and Harold were seen so often together in school that one time a kid on the bus asked my Mom, “If you are Lee’s mom is Harold his Dad???”

Mom and Harold just laughed. It was such an innocent question from a young child, but how nice that kids are color blind.