Today I have some wonderful (and very romantic) news to lift everyone’s spirits – my eldest son Chris proposed to his girlfriend Georgie, and she said ‘yes’!
Georgie is a huge fan of Harry Potter, so during a recent trip across Scotland they booked a ride on the Hogwarts Express.
They drank champagne, ate vegan chocolate frogs and wore some very appropriate masks.
Next day they visited the Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of the actual locations used in the films. Chris chose the perfect moment to go down on one knee, and popped the question just as the Hogwarts Express went past and blew its whistle.
You can see how magical it was (and how Georgie almost fell over backwards with shock) by watching the video below…
As many of you know, Chris is autistic, has dyspraxia and dyslexia, and was born almost 30 years ago at a time when very little was understood about these conditions.
I was forced to listen to endless dire predictions from ‘friends’, family and health professionals about how he lacked intelligence and would never achieve anything in life, and I watched him struggle with bullying and self-doubt when he was younger as a result. Here he is though, living an amazing life and proving every one of them completely wrong.
He’s worked incredibly hard and now has a Masters degree from Leeds university, a fantastic job in central London and a wonderful partner to share his life with.
Obviously I’m writing about this because I’m absolutely thrilled for them both, but I’m also sharing it because I realise that a lot of people still believe, quite wrongly, that autistic people can never have successful, loving relationships.
Only other parents of autistic children will truly understand just how much it’s taken for Chris to get where he is today, but I’m sure everyone can appreciate that he’s a genuine example of why, no matter what anyone tells you, the only real future is the one you make for yourself.
12 Comments
Fantastic. Congratulations to them.
So glad to hear that there is light at the end of the tunnel (or bridge lol) however long it may be.
There most definitely is, Grace. All of my children have succeeded in areas other people said they’d fail, and it’s something that makes me incredibly proud of them every single day.
Ahhhh 💖 how perfectly beautiful, congratulations & all of the luck and love in the world in your future marriage
Thank you so much for your lovely words Jenna, that’s really kind of you.
Wow, what a lovely story! And a lovely couple too. Best wishes from your Mums old friend, we hope you have a very happy life together.
Thank you so much for your good wishes, it really is very kind of you.
Huge congratulations to them. Is Georgie autistic, too?
Am I too late at 36 to achieve those aims? I was working as an apprentice administrator, but was laid off due to the pandemic, and my contract coming to an end. And I’ve never been in a serious relationship, but lockdown may have brought my chances to an end.
Do you think Chris and Georgie will make good parents? I think they could, although they’ll probably need help.
Thanks so much for your congratulations Michael. Georgie isn’t autistic but she knows a lot about it and she understands Chris really well. I’m sure they’ll make amazing parents as they’re both kind, caring and patient people who are very good with children.
In your case, I think it’s never too late to find happiness, whether you’d like something romantic or just to build a close friendship with someone. There are lots of options available to autistic people nowadays. Have a look at this link for some ideas: https://www.google.com/search?q=autistic+dating+and+friendship&oq=autistic+dating
Good luck!
Thank you for clearing it up, Helen. And I’m sure my mum once heard you on the radio many years ago.
As far as I’m concerned, I’ll have to wait until social distancing can be relaxed before I search for a romantic relationship.
I did hear about a book written by Jude Morrow called “Why Does Daddy Always Look So Sad?” which I haven’t read myself, but could come in handy: https://www.google.com/search?q=why+does+daddy+always+look+so+sad+book&oq=why+does+daddy+al&aqs=chrome.3.0i355i457j46j69i57j0i22i30l2.12456j0j7&client=ms-android-huawei-rev1&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8
Hi Michael,
I’ve just had a look at the book you mentioned and it sounds really fascinating so I’ve added it to my reading list. Thanks so much for the recommendation.
That looks like an amazing proposal and for all those people who doubt I have been married for 10 years to my husband who is on the spectrum and this year we renewed our vows in Scotland where he wrote and performed his own vows. We were told it wouldn’t last by professionals and family members when we got together 11years ago
Good luck to them both and we wish them all the happiness in the world
Thank you so much for your lovely comments Jenny, they’re very much appreciated. Your relationship sounds wonderful!