Special Friends
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
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My brother Eric faces personal battles every day as he navigates life with an autism spectrum disorder. Even though he is the most fun, loving, and kind kid, it is very hard for him to make friends. We recently opened up about this on a livestream with some of our fans, and they provided our family with a miracle at Christmas time. Eric has always LOVED Star Wars and Legos. These amazing fans got together and anonymously arranged to deliver Eric the Lego Death Star from "his friends." This was not only a present he's been dreaming of for a long time, but a wonderful gift that brought him a sense of belonging, appreciation, and most of all: friendship.
It may not be "Christmas Time" anymore, but the spirit of joy and friendship is something we can embrace all throughout the year. We'd encourage you to think of someone in your life that can use a little extra kindness - someone who needs a friend. How can you share hope and joy them? Maybe you could write a note, send some cookies, or just make a quick phone call to say hello and catch up. There are endless ways to brighten someone's day, so that's our challenge to you: Do something that will #ShareHopeSpreadJoy
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#ShareHopeSpreadJoy #autism
Yep, I’m crying. Eric’s sweet response of a grateful heart was the best. What a beautiful young man.
Aw, thank you!
Yep I’m crying too!! What a beautiful gift!!
This is awesome! How terrific, Eric, that you got that Death Star put together like a champ!!!
Clarence, the angel from ”It’s a Wonderful Life” said “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.”
I love that movie, and that's a great line!
Karen, there are so many quotes from that movie but I forgot about that one. Thanks.
This is not very helpful to someone who feels like they don't have any friends....there are lots of other ways to be successful and important even when you're feeling like there's no one you can call a friend.
@@debbieshephard5456 George's success in the moviewas that he was a kind person and generously selfless in helping others. In his despair, his Guardian Angel showed him how blessed his life was and then those people gave back in return.
And reading the comments Eric has ALOT of friends and folks who care so much about him and his family. Thank you Karen for reminding us about that quote. Blessings from California. 🦋🌟
If you're not on the spectrum and you know somebody who is, or who is challenged, or even who is just a little bit "different" in some way, you can spread a lot more joy than you even realize or could imagine by taking the time to find out who they are on the inside.
Autistic people come across as rude, or weird, or dorky, because we have communication problems. We can be very subtle in some ways but completely fail to grasp nuance in other ways. And we tend to come across as immature, naive, and high maintenance when, in general, we're kind, we're pleasers, and we're very often a lot more intelligent than we get credit for. Granted, nobody's all good or all bad, but autistic people are a huge untapped resource. If you take the time to get to know us, we're excellent friends.
(Just don't expect us to compliment your outfit, or your cooking, or your sense of humor, if we don't like it. But on the other hand, if we do compliment anything, you can trust it as sincere.)
Well said. More people need to know these things.
Well said. I’m Autistic and it’s really hard
🥰
You are amazing at expressing such great facts. It will help us a lot. Blessings from California. 🦋🎶🎸
Indeed :D
From one Star Wars fan to another...The Force will be with you...always. Eric, you’re awesome.
Eric is one cool guy! His reaction to the gift is so special. Also, seeing how fast he put that together!?!?! Eric is one smart guy too!❤️
Awwwww Eric, I’m so happy for you !!!! Friends are one of Gods specials gifts to us and sometimes we have friends that we didn’t even know we had.....God is pretty sneaky that way 😍 In his mysterious ways, he will show his love for us !!!
Even when I feel all alone and there is no one in sight, I feel abandoned and isolated, I know I always have a friend in Jesus !! He is my comfort, my strength and my provider !
Quick story-years ago I needed to make the 1,000 mile trip, each way to see my ill mother. My old car needed tires and some work done but I had no money. I had 3 young kids and a husband that wouldn’t work. I took my car to the shop for repairs and when I picked it up my bill was paid !!!! My friends met my needs and I know it was through Christ !!!
I’m so happy your family shared this beautiful surprise with all of us, through Christ we are friends !!!!
That’s so awesome! Have fun building your lego Death Star, Eric!
He just grabs it and dead-lifts it off the ground!😂👍
1:13 "Only a Jedi carries a light saber."
I have already seen this wonderful video several times, but I'll never get tired of seing the happiness and joy in Eric's face. I just love it and Eric too💓
As a parent of an ASD child, this really touches my heart. My son is 14 and was diagnosed at 5, but we knew something changed at 3 years old after his MMR shot. Personally, we don't call it a disorder, but instead a superpower. He is so incredibly smart, and a joy. There are many other kids his age that don't know why he acts differently, but that doesn't stop him. I wish I could be there to help put that Lego set together, it looks awesome!
Your the Amazing gift Eric. My son Dominic is autistic and he is the light in my life. May God bless you
What a special moment!!!
Much love from this ASD momma. There’s such joy is seeing that light on our children’s faces, and in knowing that they are supported in a world that doesn’t always seem so friendly.
I came upon this and don’t know how I ever missed this video. I was so touched to see how excited Eric was on opening his present. My grandson is on the autism spectrum, Asperger’s. He is almost 20 now and going to college, playing basketball. He still has some social issues, but how I do love that kid. I know what it is like when they are young and on the spectrum. Some days can be a struggle. I’m sure he will be able to navigate through life’s challenges when he has such a loving family supporting him. May God bless your family!
How sweet! People are good!
Amen!
Absolutely heart tugging. Made my cry. So happy for Eric.
Glad it touched you! Thank you!
Your brother is Gods very Special Angel to your Family. The Death Star is the smallest part of the number of Friends he has. Please let him know
I Ronda Stothers from Michigan wants to be his friend too.
Very God inspired words and feelings. It's eternal Christmas spirit. Thank you for sharing💛💛💛😇
Thank you Matt and Savanna, this is why I started a Set a place at the table for a unexpected guest, at Xmass I thought it would shake families up to remember those tey fell out with as people do change but many many mistakes have divided families then cracks become broken walls or chains we must learn to support rather than judge
What a beautiful tradition! I love it!
Beautiful !
Wow I am crying. This was an awesome gift for him and he wasted no time to build. Great job. Amazing I never seen anything like that before. I love it.
Thank you! It was such an incredible gift for him! He built it independently in 2 1/2 days :). Thank you Janine!
I would be your brother friend I only have one friend I'm happy for him I started to cry all have a good day
Thank you Aggy! We all need some friends.
@@MatandSavanna yes we need friends
Well Aggy, you have come to the right place, I think you will have a lot of friends here with the Shaw community !!!!
And always know that even when you “feel” alone and there is no physical person around, God our creator and savior is with you, he loves you and HE is your best most trusted friend !!!!
Blessings to you my dear !!!
What a heart warming event to make my morning more wonderful. May that amazing gift not only give Eric hours of enjoyment, which is obvious by his enthusiasm, but add to his self worth, and the knowing that there is a world of friendship to be had. His friends come in all shapes and sizes, yet I suspect that he longs for those closer to his age. Perhaps that Death Star will introduce him to like minded teens. Thank you for sharing such an amazing story and a wonderful gift. Keep smiling Eric.
As a parent with a little girl with Autism, I totally get it. Especially with the pandemic with online learning it broke my heart when the first say of school the teacher asked the class who their best friends were, and my daughter told her she didn’t have any because she don’t play with anyone. I been told by her previous teacher she play by herself a lot and rarely play with other children. She really like drawing and had made differ books, and have us write the words for her. I wish one day she will have good friends that truly understand her and see how creative she is.
This was so very touching ... my eyes filled with tears at seeing the sheer joy on Eric’s face, knowing that friends had sent him his biggest ‘wish’.
Thank you for sharing this very special moment with us all, you have an amazing family and awesome ShawFam friends.
My love wings it’s way across ‘The Pond’, from the UK, to you all - with a special hug just for Eric. ❤️❤️❤️ xxx
The ShawFam has been such a blessing to us! Thank you Beverley!
@@MatandSavanna - as you both, and your wonderful music and family, have been to us. ❤️
Thank you! Xx
I cried too, that was so sweet of everyone to do that for him ♥♥♥♥♥
I face daily struggles with being on the spectrum as well, so I know how he feels... this was absolutely heartwarming! You guys are incredible!
🌼 Awesome Love!!! I am amazed at the journey that started here about a year ago! God is GOOD! ALL the time! May He continue to bless the Shaw family! 💙💙💙
That was so lovely to see, the smile on Eric’s face when he opened the present was so special. What a wonderful thing for the ShawFam to do, so very kind. And how quickly has Eric finished it, amazing 🤩. Big hugs to you all and an extra one for Eric. 💙❤️🙏xx
I absolutely love this. As a fellow Lego lover, I know how special that Death Star set is - so unbelievably awesome. I am so touched that he got this from someone. I hope it lasted more than a week to put together!
He worked on it non stop for days. He will never forget this, neither will we. 😊
I always send happy birthday texts to all my friends. They always say you're the only friend who does that. I don't ask for it, but it's my way of saying a simple text means alot to people
wow how amazing is that. It sure brought tears to my eyes seeing how happy it made him
What an awesome gift!!
That’s so great!! Brought a tear to my eye
Awe, I'm tearing up...that is so amazing❤
My wife has worked as an educator specializing in Autism Spectrum kids around Eric's age for several years. She always comes home with stories of her "kiddos" and making new advancements, overcoming obstacles, and learning how to "mainstream" with their peers. It warms my heart to see her eyes light up when she relates these stories. Her compassion and patience knows no bounds. It truly takes a special individual to help these kids. To all those educators working day in and day out with these awesome yet challenging kids, Mahalo!
aww i totally cried thankyou for sharing the amazing moment
This made my heart so happy!
I am crying tears of joy to see your son so so happy and also thankful for the friends who sent it. 💖
WOW! That is wonderful! He is so smart. I'm so happy he finally got it. Thank You for sharing this beautiful moment. God Bless You! I can't believe how fast he put it together. ❤❤❤🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🥰🥰🥰🥰
I have a cousin who has Autism. He loves all aspects of art, so much so that he even got a college degree in art. Now his town has him doing window paintings around Christmas time and some other holidays.
That Death Star looks so amazing, Eric you did a good job!!
This was the sweetest thing ever!!! Thank you for sharing, it was a great example to me of service!
We feel so blessed to have such amazing friends. :)
I’m on the very mild end of the spectrum and feel for him I sometimes struggle socially especially in a working environment it’s terrifying and scared for the future life as an adult as I’m turning eighteen this June sixth of June have great friends and family support but Yh I know it can be challenging keep positive and it will all work itself out I send my love and best wishes to u all xx 💖💖💖❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Hi Alex, thank you for sharing that! IT can be difficult, but it's nice to know so many people out there care! Hang in there! Let's keep in touch!
Oh Alex, just by what you shared I can see a bright and prosperous future for you !!!!
We all have different strengths and weaknesses, that is what brings us together and why we are better together than separated. I think God was pretty clever in designing us that way ☺️ Like we all need to do, find your strength and what God places on your heart to do, then do it and you will succeed and thrive !!!!
Just think of all the people you can help and ease their fears !!!!
Happy 18th birthday on June 6 th !!
Blessings
My grandson is autistic and will be turning 18 in September. We have been raising him and have tried to prevent over-stimulation and help him focus. We belong to a homeschool co-op, which has been so wonderful. He met his best friend there. The classes are small and he is able to get more one-on-one attention. I wish you all of the best! Blessings! ❤️
This blessed my heart so much! We are raising our grandson, who is also autistic. He is loving and extremely intelligent. We belong to a homeschool co-op, which helps prevent over-stimulation, since classes are small and he gets more personalized attention. He met his best friend there. Blessings to Eric and the rest of your family! ❤️
So Special!!❤️
So happy for Eric to receive such a wonderful gift.
My nephew has Asperger's studied at Carnegie Mellon University - Model Theory!
One of the most difficult degrees.
His school days were terrible had no friends the teachers loathed him and couldn't get on with his dad or brother.
That all changed as an adult.
He married last year and has a baby boy.
Need I say more!
Amazing story!!!
@@RedRoseSeptember22 🤩🥰
That is so cool....love your story
How wonderful! Mx
I deeply appreciate all the joy and love you share on your channel, whether it is your singing or showing us the goodness and kindness of others. May all the Blessings you share come back to you a thousandfold. Eric's face lights up with accomplishment as he holds his completed Death Star!
Thank you for sharing that with us ❤️ INSPIRING!
Thanks for watching!
This is amazing! My 8 year old son has asd and friendship is so hard for him! Being in quarantine has made it harder and he feels so alone and frustrated most of the time. I love this.
May God give you guidance and bring special blessings to your family !!! Amen 🙏🏻
Hey guys I’ve been watching since quarantine love ❤️ y’all and your family 😃😊 THANK YOU 🙏 for all you do you truly have been a HUGE!!! blessing.
That’s awesome and heartwarming!!🙂
Eric does have friends everywhere.
He really does! Thank you!
I'm just cutting onions here..
That was such a special video about Eric who has autism. It felt so comfortable and heartwarming. That’s so cool he loves Star ⭐️ Wars and Legos. My 2 favorite things are Legos and Star Wars as well. Fun fact, I have autism too! When I was little, it was hard for me to make friends. But now I have 2 best friends and they are James Palmeri and Matthew Reardon. They are both great 😊 people and the true loyal friends I got. I’m also into Scooby-Doo as well. Growing up, I used to sing the Scooby-Doo Theme and watch the cartoon all the time. Since Star Wars is owned by Disney now, I’ve been watching The Mandalorian on Disney Plus. God bless to Mat and Savanna Shaw! Also Savanna, I really appreciate your brother Eric so much!! I’m also a fun loving 🥰 sweet man as well! Love you 😍 so much!!! Have a great day
Hey Austin! We just watched your guitar recital and loved it! Well done! Glad we are friends!
What a beautiful, loving act of friendship. DeathStar isn't bad either. Lol God Bless everyone associated with giving Eric this gift.
I have an autism spectrum disorder. It doesn't ever go away, btw.
This is such a great video. My prayer the Lord continue to bless you and be with you and your family throughout the year.
My son runs an adult support group and we know that autistic young people need support and friendship.Erics story is so life affirming .Thank you for sharing.I will share this with my son and his students.Mat and Savanna you inspire us all with your music and your uploads.🥰
😍 Gracias Dios por tanto amor y esperanza... Un abrazo muy fuerte... 🌷
This touched my heart! I am a young adult on the spectrum.
Hey Joseph! glad we are friends on here. let's keep in touch!
Beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes. You are a great kid, Eric.
That’s truly amazing! Yes the Christmas spirit is always around! Tell Eric he definitely has friends out here! And I’m truly happy to see just how much people do still care out there!
So touching!!! Thank you angels for blessing Eric, who made my heart smile.❤🐑🌈🙏💞😍
Thank you for sharing. nice guitar music. No church service today in snowy Virginia.
What a wonderful, generous gift!
Eric’s smile was all that!!!
I have a son with Down syndrome. He’s an absolute delight. We also see there is far more good in people, than not.
God bless you all! ❤️
Way more good than not, for sure! Much love!
@@MatandSavanna, sending love back to your family!
Thank you guys for coming out about Eric. Autism Awareness is so important. I have personally worked with these children and adults for years. It is truly a blessing. These children are extra special. Your story truly touched my heart!!! ❤️
We debated about whether or not we should share this story publicly, but I am so glad we did now. Thank you for supporting us!
God made Eric just how He needed him to be. Eric is special in his own way. I'm so happy for him.
Yes he is ♥
I'm so proud of you guys for your music and for helping this kid out❤
How wonderful for Eric, love it ❤
My son has autism, he is 12 and started high school, the past 2 weeks have been hell...and sometimes as a parent you feel so lost and helpless 😢😢
I cried so hard in church this morning because I am worn out. I feel with you
I just can say. You are not alone
It can be so hard at times, but it is heartening to know that there are good people out there everywhere! Sending you our love!
Sending you love and prayers for peace! 💞🙏
@@MatandSavanna 🎶🎁🌎🇩🇪🎈 thank you
You are a blessing ❤️🌹🎶🎁🇩🇪🌎🎈
@@heikehollas1828 😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙
...Eric! It will be amazing, I’m sure! 🤗👍🏽
What a sweet love. The caring and genuine happiness and amazement in his voice, made me tear up and smile at the same time. Your family is absolutely deserving of all things wonderful. You have brought me personally(&im sure dozens of others)joy and happiness. I thank whom ever sent your son this totally great gift. I also want to thank you as a family for touching so many of us as fans💜
Hi Eric, love and greetings from the Netherlands!
Reminder has been set just love listening to these two big fan
Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us here in youtube ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Such a great expression of love giving back to love. Your family has shown so much love to the world. So sweet for Eric to find that special gift just for him. What we give we will also receive. God bless you all more and more. 🥰❤🙏
That comment made our day, thank you Frances!
I will keep you in my prayers and be your spiritual friend. You are surrounded with and love conquers everything
Our daughter has special needs but because she cannot talk, not a lot of kids in school or in church pay attention to her. But there is always that one child or two who are heaven sent that would take the time to play with her. So thank you for sharing about Erik’s challenge.
She can't talk? That's awful! I can only imagine how hard it must b to communicate with her
Hi 👋 great 👍🏻 new video🤩
Can’t wait 😀
Love, love, love his reaction. I hope he knows now that friends can be all around, near or far. His joy just made me smile and cry at the same time! Just keep on being "you" Eric!
Congratulations Eric on your special gift from your many friends. Great job on the building of your master piece.
Thank you very much!
This was amazing and my eyes were full of tears at how many caring people there are in this world and seeing Eric's eyes light up was just pure joy!!!
What a beautiful gesture ! You can't ever doubt the generosity of people! The kindness of People far outweigh the bad we always hear! His happiness and smile brought me to tears ! He is a true Angel himself ! Love ur family ! Barb 💕💕
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
As a 40 something autistic who ALSO still loves Lego (and just finished putting together the Stormtrooper helmet bust (75276) that I was given for Christmas), I am *drooling* over that Death Star. The biggest set I have is the Marvel Helicarrier and I adore it, but my housemate (and great friend who is ALSO a Lego fan, even though he isn't autistic) has the old Super Star Destroyer (10221). Please tell Eric that he seems like a really great guy, and he has another friend right here. I know that facing a neurotypical world as an autistic person is a challenge - but you can be whatever you want to be, even if sometimes we have to work harder at it. I don't have many friends, either, but hopefully, as you get older, you'll meet more people that appreciate you for who you are, as a whole, instead of who they think you should be - and being accepted for your whole self, even if it's only by a few people, is so worth it. Hang in there, bud, and I'm glad you had so much fun with that Lego set. 💜
I am so touched by the people that did this for Eric. Children and Adults with Autism are such special people. This has brought me to tears and I am not even related. Have fun Eric and know there are a lot of people that care about you. God bless.
This was so heart warming
. Eric's reaction was priceless
This was beautiful and made me tear up. I love to see such joy on a child’s face. 🥰
I also have a child with autism. She is 13 years old and about to start at a new school dedicated to helping kids with autism navigate through the world. Our world has suddenly become more stressful with the onset of puberty. 🙂 We are getting through it, day by day, and looking for the beautiful and happy moments. We are hopeful. Thanks for sharing moments with your family. Much love, Jennifer Agamata
Whoever is reading this have a great day and God bless
And the same to you !!!
May God bring abundant blessings to you !
Thank you and I hope you have a wonderful day as well. May God bless you.
LOVE the greetings !! Blessings and hugs from California. 💌 💝
As the family of two children who have autism the lack of friendship is a big thing for them. This brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful gift and the legos were great too.
That is so awesome❤️❤️
Have a blessed Sunday everyone!!!!
such a blessing ♡♡♡
Wow! That’s awesome! 👍😊
My 16 year old grandson is on the spectrum also. He really has no friends..it’s his biggest problem. Otherwise, he is just like any other 16 year old. He has his drivers permit. He takes things very literally so directions have to very clear. The look on your son’s face was priceless. Bless his little heart. You have a wonderful family. Bev
This was truly beautiful it brought tears to my eyes thank you for sharing it really helps❤️💙
What an awesome thing to do. He is surely going to have a blast with it. God bless those who blessed Eric. So true Mat, we should not just give at Christmas.
Hi Yvonne! He had a serious blast with this lego set! What an amazing gift! We are blessed!
@@MatandSavanna I can believe
That is soooooo awesome! 💞Blessings to all of you!💞
Thank you J K!
This is the sweetest thing ever!! I am literally crying!
May the Lego Death Star bring him a lot joy and happiness.
That is beautiful!!
Heyyy ilysm 💗u guys sing amazing
That was awesome he's is so happy
God knew that Eric was perfect for this family. This just speaks volumes of what you guys of done just by sharing your light.. from a mom with an aspie kiddo. These makes me smile so much