Your school days can be both the worst and the best days of your life – and this boy has demonstrated just how hard it can be.
Bob Cornelius made a heart-breaking discovery when he visited his son’s school classroom for the very first time. Spotting his son’s assignment on the wall, Bob was inclined to take a look.
The assignment asked classmates to describe themselves, what they would like to be when they grow up...etc.
Christopher has autism, meaning that he has problems connecting and forming relationships with others.
One question asked Christopher to finish this statement: ‘Some of my friends are...' to which he responded: 'No one.'
Clearly choked, Bob uploaded this heart-warming tribute to his son on Facebook, that has now been shared worldwide.
In his post, Bob urged parents to explain to their children that "children with special needs understand far more than we give them credit for. They notice when others exclude them."
"They are very much in tune when they are treated differently from everyone else.
"Trust me when I tell you this hurts them. Even if it's not obvious to you and me."
Ever since Bob shared his story on Facebook, Christopher has received thousands of letters, gifts and well wishes from people and children who all want him to know that he has a friend out there.
Bob posted a picture of Chris looking extremely happy amongst his hoards of mail, writing:
"All this attention is a little surreal," Bob said on Facebook.
"I hope you understand that I have reached a point where I cannot possibly respond to everyone as was my original intent.
"The messages are in the thousands at this point. But I do answer as many as I can, and I'd like to thank everyone for sharing their stories with me and my family."
The power of social media, right?
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