the importance of friendship

Leaving the restaurant, someone was being sung Happy Birthday to at another table. I smiled at the group, sang along in harmony as I passed, and continued my way out the door after clapping politely for an extremely old looking person. The mom of Belac's classmate caught up with me and draped her arm around my shoulders as we walked together. You know why I know Belac is going to be okay? she whispered in my ear. Her own daughter has special needs and I was all ears. Because you are such a social creature, she told me as she kissed me good night. Actually, he's not the only one I'm worried about, I pointed out, actually I'm more worried about the other one right now.... They're both going to be okay because you are their mom, she reassured me. I hope so, was all I could say and now turned to look at her. I think yours are going to be okay for the same reason, you know. And with not a word more, we shared a long squeeze. I patted her back before we went off our merry ways.