I have known these women for 35 years. This month we celebrated our friendship. At this stage of my life friendship could not be more important. As a mother of a person on the Autism Spectrum it is difficult to describe the range of emotions you feel sometimes daily. There are periods of "normalcy" -however that is defined and time when there is significant isolation. Having true friends who allow you to be honest- helps you maintain balance. It is easy to step away from life when you are managing crisis -it is much harder when you know your friends will lift you up and carry you when you cannot stand. You Have to HAVE friends