Had lunch with a girlfriend yesterday. It was a lovely time. Spent the entire afternoon sitting at a little tucked away table outside. All the other patrons were inside. Can’t understand why on such a lovely spring day, but it made for a private, intimate time for us.

Well, of all the topics we talked about, what moved me the most was the discussion about her grand-niece. She is almost two and very possibly on the Autism spectrum. The parents have an appointment for her to be tested this summer and my friend is quite sure the little girl’s mom will have a massive struggle if they do indeed receive a diagnosis.

My friend then asked if her niece could call me if she needed help.

“Oh dear god, YES!” I said. “Please have her call me.”

For I meant, to the core of my being, that I want to be there to help other parents.

It is an honor to even be asked to be a support for her.

And I thought about the night before, when Meg set up my account on JK Rowling’s, Harry Potter inspired website, Pottermore and I was finally sorted. She has been waiting MONTHS for this to happen, and as she suspected, I am…

A Hufflepuff.

Both she and Ted laughed at my “diagnosis.” Ted sarcastically congratulated me on being sorted into the “least significant”
house.

But I like Hufflepuff.

So we suck when it comes to winning the House Cup. But during times that matter most, Hufflepuffs rock.

And I know, because I read the series, that it was the loyal Hufflepuffs who joined Gryffindor to fight against Voldemort and his evil forces and successfully defend Hogwarts.

Perhaps that is why I was sorted as I was, because I don’t care about being significant, at least not in the traditional way.

Authority, fame, power, winning, etc.

No, not really interested.

But to be asked to help another mom during a time when she might very well be at one of the lowest points in her life.

To be a lifeline.

To share with her what almost two decades with Autism has taught me and to maybe help her because of those lessons.

To be able to tell her that her child is NOT less than she was prior to a diagnosis.

Now that is how this Hufflepuff defines significant.

Hell ya!

This from the Sorting Hat itself…

You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true,
And unafraid of toil

I rather like my new “diagnosis.”

As always, thanks for stopping by.