Teresa, I don't know why I didn't manage to get this out earlier than just now. There are all kinds of communication issues that the people of my tribe encounter. Their success in life depends on whether or not their individual needs are met or not. Each person is different. I find myself drawn to people of the world with all the different languages and forms of communication. It is my special interest. One of them.

My youngest daughter days she can't take me anywhere. I talk to everyone. I have the phone number of the lady I met in the waiting room at the Base Hospital yesterday. She insisted I take it. I had already given her my one remaining Mayo Clinic Connect card, with @mamacita handwritten on it. By the looks of her body language, I could tell she was in pain. (Who says Autistics cannot feel empathy?!!)

Fortunately for me, my allergy to the three dogs who sleep in my room kicked in just about then. I sneezed furiously, and of course I said "Sorry" even though etiquette says you don't have to. (WHO says Auties don't read etiquette books?!!)

She said something to the effect of "That's ok." And that's all it took. We were off on that grand ad venture, of chatting and laughing until we almost cried. I knew she spoke Spanish, but she was fluent in English. Before our daughters were ready to leave the building, she was all set up to check out Mayo Clinic Connect.

Turns out she has one of those implants for pain control. Bless her heart, she said hers doesn't work. I told her I would study up on that. I shared with her that there were lots of groups on Connect and that I was sure one would be a perfect match for her.

She was very sweet, gave me her Puerto Rican recipe for dressing, and is now permanently embedded in my phone and in my heart. Undoubtedly Neurotypical, but no matter to this Autie's heart. I have a friend. From unexpected places. One of the many reasons I always say we are not alone. We are indeed, better together. Love and hugs,
Mamacita