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Internet Rallies to Support Autistic Teen Whose Birthday Party Was a Bust
Last summer, a heart-wrenching moment unfolded for 18-year-old Emily Thompson, who was eagerly anticipating her birthday bash. She had invited around 20 friends and classmates to celebrate at a bowling alley, but when the day finally arrived, not a single guest showed up.
When Emily’s aunt texted her mom, Sarah Thompson, asking for photos from the party, Sarah sent a photo of Emily sitting alone with her birthday cupcakes, her party hat still perched on her head. “It was devastating to see her cry,” Sarah recounted. “Watching your child experience that kind of loneliness is gut-wrenching, especially for Emily, who has autism and doesn’t fully grasp what’s happening.” The family, instead of dwelling on the disappointment, donated the leftover party food to a local shelter and returned home.
Determined to make the next birthday unforgettable, Emily’s cousin, Lisa Jenkins, took to Facebook to share the story and request birthday cards for Emily’s 19th birthday. “Emily adores receiving mail, and this would be the best gift ever!” Lisa wrote. She painted a beautiful picture of Emily, describing her as a bright light with a contagious smile, a caring friend, and an athlete who excels at jigsaw puzzles. “Emily is simply amazing, and I’m so proud to call her family,” she added.
As parents, we can all relate to the hope that our children not only find true friends but also enjoy special moments without tears—except happy ones, of course. Fortunately, Lisa’s post has gone viral, garnering over 200,000 shares and flooding Emily’s mailbox with birthday cards ahead of her July 2nd celebration. The family has even set up a Facebook page to share the outpouring of love and support. While many have offered gifts, Sarah emphasized that a simple card would mean the world, as Emily can get overwhelmed with too many presents.
If you feel moved to send Emily a birthday card, you can find all the details on how to do so at this link. And, if you’re curious about more parenting insights or resources, be sure to check out this page for additional information.
In summary, the internet came together to uplift a young girl who faced a heartbreaking birthday experience, demonstrating the power of kindness and community support.