I Have the Best Friends

I have been going through so many hard times lately and facing so many challenges. I have been sick for six months, recieved my autism diagnosis, started experiencing ME/CFS again, been in autistic burnout and been through a break up all within the last six months. It has been so hard. I have spent so many nights crying. Felt so confused and hurt by the situations I have been in and the health challenges I'm facing.

I can honestly say that I don't know what I would do or where I would be if it weren't for my friends. I have a group of some really close friends that have really stuck by my side and helped me through these times.

Just last week, I went away for a few nights with my close friend Courtney. We stayed in a tiny house together in Kyneton and spent our time just reading and colouring in and enjoying each other's company. My fatigue levels have been very high lately, but Courtney was so understanding. She did most of the cooking and dishwashing whilst we were away. She didn't complain. She didn't question my fatigue or my struggles. It was so amazing and so helpful and I was so grateful for her help. Part of being disabled is accepting that you may need to ask others for help and rely more on others. It can be hard sometimes to be so dependent on others. It has taken me a long time to realise that I am not the burden that I think I am. It definitely helps me not to feel like a burden when I have wonderful friends like Courtney to help share the load.

A selfie of me (on the left) and Courtney (on the right) both smiling and both wearing puffer jackets (you can take the girl out of Melbourne, but you can't take Melbourne out of the girl). The background shows dried grass and a big tree.

The day after my recent breakup, I lay in bed long into the day, unable to move and completely emotionally drained. Three of my close friends arrived at my house, driving across town and cancelling their plans, to spend the day comforting me. My friends, Nada, Gretel and Tong, hugged me while I cried. They ensured that I drank water and ate some food. They just sat and kept me company, unbothered by silence and ready to offer comfort and hugs whenever necessary. I don't know how I would have gotten through that day if it weren't for those three wonderful friends of mine.

Months ago, before I owned my walker, I was out at dinner with my two friends, Pip and Feli. We became friends through our shared love of running, but our friendship has long since expanded past running. During the dinner, I felt my energy slip away. By the time we had finished, I was so fatigued that I could barely stand. The roads around the resturaunt were closed off, so our only way to the car was by walking. Pip and Feli, without me even needing to voice my need for help, each linked an arm through one of my arms. They helped prop me up and walked me back to the car. They wordlessly offered their help. More wonderful friends of mine.

A photo of Saffron and her two friends. Saffron sits at the restaurant table on the far left and wears a green knitted jumper and has her hair in braids. The woman in the centre, on the other side of the table, is called Feli and she has straight brown hair and is wearing a blue shirt. On the far right is a woman named Pip, with mid-length curly brown hair and a white shirt. They are all smiling at the camera.

My friend Laura and I met up for dinner to celebrate her birthday recently. After dinner, we made our way back to the train station together. I had my walker with me. Laura, who works as an occupational therapist, was excited to accompany me and my walker. She was eager to learn more about accessibility at the train station and experience it first-hand. She has always been supportive of me and willing to learn about my disability with me. A wonderful friend.

I have the best friends. They are there for me for the lows and the highs. They don't see or treat me as a burden. They care for me. And I care for them. So much.

Wonderful friends.