Open Letter to an Idol

Dear Sir,

I’m not one to write to celebrities, but I think it’s time I reached out to you.  Conventional wisdom says I should be sick of you… resent you.  You are able to reach my son in ways that sometimes escape me.  But I don’t resent you (any more) and I am not sick of you. 

You may not know it, but you have been a part of our family for ten years.  We have shared many meals together.  You and I have read hundreds of goodnight stories to my little hero.  You are my son’s idol.  You have entertained him for years.  But, more than that, you have provided him with comfort, a feeling of safety and a foundation of security that I lack the vocabulary to describe.   He needs you in his life in ways I am just starting to understand.  You bring him a joy that is palpable, even if he can not yet verbally describe it. 

Maybe it’s your big silly eyes.  Maybe it’s your soft blue fur.  It could be the delicious cookies on your breath or your infectious and relentless pursuit of your passion.  I don’t know, Cookie Monster.  But my son loves you very much. And that means I love you very much. 

Thank you for being you.

Love,

A Grateful Autism Dad.