From Parent to Reflection: My Journey and Reflection on My Son

Humans often find themselves drawn to those who remind them of themselves, especially within the close bonds of family. While I have not met myself, my experience as a mother has led me to encounter people who, in a sense, are reflections of my past. These reflections have brought a unique set of experiences, both joyous and challenging.

) Reliving Myself Through My Son

My son, much like myself, bears a striking resemblance to me right down to the bone structure. As he grows, each stage of his life mirrors my youth. When my oldest niece was younger, she saw someone who looked like me in a parking lot and called out 'Auntie! ' She was hurt when I did not respond. My brother had to explain that it was my son, not me. This incident was a poignant reminder of how we, as parents, often see ourselves in our children.

Evolution Through Adversity

My son has always been a beacon of success, embodying qualities that allowed him to overcome the self-doubt that held me back. He has this innate ability that has thrived without the need for extensive study. His academic achievements, including a 4.6 GPA and valedictorian status in high school, and his perfect SAT and ACT scores, all point to a natural intelligence that I had to cultivate with tireless effort. He also graduated from an Ivy League university without the rigors of traditional university life, a testament to his capabilities.

Emotional Spectrum, Family Bonding, and Self-Awareness

Despite his impressive academic and personal accomplishments, my son's emotional spectrum stands out as a stark difference from mine. I am on the spectrum, making social interactions sometimes challenging and awkward. I often prefer solitude, and people often find me inscrutable, lacking in emotion or compassion. I engage in conversation primarily for the exchange of information. Yet, there are about three to six people who scored higher than I did on the Aspie Quiz, indicating the unique nature of my condition.

Avoiding Emotional Ties and Living in the Moment

My son's level of emotional detachment is more extreme than mine. He interacts with his family minimally, except for his affection towards his cats. His life is centered around work, school, gaming, and eating when he wishes. I have even ventured to describe him as barely human, once, after which he simply smiled. It's a rare occurrence for either of us to engage in conversations, reflecting our unique ways of living.

The interactions between us often leave me feeling both intrigued and unnerved, a stark contrast from the bond that parents typically share with their children. While my son's smile happens rarely, it still manages to break the silence that often prevails between us. In this way, despite the challenges, there remains a connection that is deeply rooted in our shared human experience.