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- čas přidán 30. 01. 2021
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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
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. 🦋🌟
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!!
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
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 ♥♥♥♥♥
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 🤩🥰
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!!
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. ❤❤❤🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🥰🥰🥰🥰
Eric does have friends everywhere.
He really does! Thank you!
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❤
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!!❤️
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 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 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!
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 !
So touching!!! Thank you angels for blessing Eric, who made my heart smile.❤🐑🌈🙏💞😍
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 !!!!
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!
This is awesome! How terrific, Eric, that you got that Death Star put together like a champ!!!
Absolutely heart tugging. Made my cry. So happy for Eric.
Glad it touched you! Thank you!
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
What a precious gift for sweet Eric! Not only his dream gift but the gift of FRIENDS. LOVE!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations Eric on receiving such an awesome 👌 gift 🎁 but most of all for working so hard & sticking with the huge book of instructions to build the massive death star👏!!! It is truly ❤ wonderful that God has blessed you & that you are doing great things to bring more happiness & hope to others that follow your channel! God's Blessings for your continued successes in all that your lives touch 🙏!!!
What a beautiful, loving act of friendship. DeathStar isn't bad either. Lol God Bless everyone associated with giving Eric this gift.
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.🥰
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!
He just grabs it and dead-lifts it off the ground!😂👍
1:13 "Only a Jedi carries a light saber."
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
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!
My 15 y.o. grandson has the same life struggles as Eric. But he is an A/B honor roll student, plays percussion in his HS varsity band and has many Special Olympic medals. Thank you for introducing us to this very special young man - Eric. These guys bless our lives in ways we never dreamed of & we thank our God for the blessing of knowing them.
My daughter is special needs (a chromosome rearrangement). It always just makes my heart burst when people go out of their way to love her. She has had so many special people in her life. I’m so glad your son does too!!
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 💕💕
Working daily with children on the spectrum can be both challenging and rewarding! I wouldn’t change that for the world! So happy for the Shaw Ohana! 🌺
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.
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.
Lol. “I’m sweating right now. I’m sweating!” Haha 🤣 So cute!! 🥰
Beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes. You are a great kid, Eric.
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💓
I believe I feel just like everyone else who has commented so far... tears in my eyes too. I often think of the jingle... "A friend in need, is a friend indeed." We can all follow the example that was shown for Eric. I'll bet tomorrow someone will cross our paths that could really use a friend! Thank you for sharing that emotional experience. Love ya' all !!
That is incredible! Look at that handsome face! He is so full of light and happiness! I'm impressed, Eric! I could NEVER put that together! Great job!
Glad to hear Eric got his wish from total stranger's just goes to show we have so many more good people than bad in our world. Shows that a little kindness lasts a lifetime. He will never ever forget the day he went outside and saw the package with his name on it. It doesn't have to cost anything to give someone a special moment especially now when times are so tough. You could even clean out a room and donate what you don't need to a children's home or another charity that could really use it to make a child smile. Or make cards and drop them off at a nursing home just write you are special or something like that it would mean the world to the residents make them smile everytime they look at it. Or you go to the grocery store and see flowers discounted to a few bucks either give them to a neighbor or someone whose having a rough time right now just little things like this goes a long way. God bless whoever was so kind to give your son some kindness that will last for a long long time. I can't believe he got the Lego set together shoot grandma tried helping one of my grandkids a few years ago when one of them got a small set can't remember what it was but had about 80 pieces or so. I had to call in backup because we couldn't get it together my grandson was 6 at the time so his Uncle helped him figure out how to do it we had everyone over because it was his birthday.I won't be doing anymore Legos too many little pieces for me. My grandkids are getting older anyways they can do them on their own. 😁🤭🙃😅🤣 grandma can see them when they get done with them
From one Star Wars fan to another...The Force will be with you...always. Eric, you’re awesome.
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
Eric's face when he opened the gift! Magical! We have 2 sons who have autism. Love from the UK
This is so beautiful. I also have a daughter on the autism spectrum who struggles with friends. This meant so much to me to see this.
Eric will never wonder if he has friends, a gift worth much more than a toy. ❤️
@@MatandSavanna if Eric ever needs a friend to reach out to, I'm sure my daughter would love that. Let me know. We are from Australia
I am a tutor, presently homeschooling an autistic young man. I have fallen in love with the autistic community (if you can call it that). God bless you. When I start my CZcams channel, he will be one of my first “guest stars” as I travel around in my skoolie doing virtual field trip videos for school children. I hope to introduce all kinds of people to my viewers as I show them this amazing country.
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!
Being a parent of a 35 yr old son with autism has it's blessings and hardships some days. I thank God that my son has a great group of people that support him in all the things he wants to do. So happy that Erik also has people to share hope and spread job to him.
We are grateful for all the stories and parents we have heard from that can relate to our life experiences! It sounds like your son is lucky to have you!
That was so touching, so glad Eric has so many online friends. Both of my kids have autism and find it really difficult to make and keep friends. My son loves Lego and Star Wars too however has a difficult time building Lego due to fine motor difficulties. Love the lightsaber, my son used to carry his around with him too. Great job with the building! This gives me hope for my children's future.
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!❤️
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.
Ughhhhhh I can’t...... my heart.... this is so heartwarming...... I totally understand all of this because I have an Autistic cousin, sooo seeing Eric’s reaction made my heart BURST, thank you guys for sharing this
It filled my heart with joy to see Eric's delight and happiness to see his present. It's wonderful to see nice things happen to nice people. You must be so proud of him. You seem like such a wonderful young man.
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!
My grandson is 9 and he is on the spectrum. What an amazing young man.
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
That’s so awesome! Have fun building your lego Death Star, Eric!
Can I just say that I love your singing and performing so much. I watch you sing everyday and it just warms my heart. I am so grateful for finding your videos as soon as you began posting them. I just can’t get enough. Savanna you are an amazing singer and Mat I love how you look to Savanna throughout your sings and just smile. I can feel your love and pride. Please don’t stop signing!❤️♥️💜💕💓💗💝💞💖
Eric did a wonderful job completing the Lego Set, you guys made me cry....I always ask myself before I fall asleep, did you do all the right things today...if the answer is Yes, I try to do even better the next day......
How wonderful for Eric to receive such a gift - he looked beyond grateful. What a lovely boy - love you4 family 🇬🇧🇺🇸
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.
Eric, I am glad that you got this gift. Seeing your joy and the love of your family and friends for you touched my heart. Enjoy your gift and remember that you are loved.
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💜
I’m not crying you’re crying. This is awesome.... Eric you are such a sweet boy! ❤️❤️❤️
Hey Eric. I saw this video and oh my goodness. You are a lucky boy. I am a new friend of yours too. My name is Ms. Thurley and I teach school in Wisconsin. I love your smile. Keep spreading your love and smile, it's contagious.
How amazing is that person who gave Eric the gift of friendship and love🥰 Praise the Lord!!
Yes I’m crying. He’s so sweet and genuine. So glad he got that surprise.
Congratulations Eric on your special gift from your many friends. Great job on the building of your master piece.
Thank you very much!
I think that who ever gave him lego knows that your son would appreciate it and your son has a wonderful heart
To say this was well deserved is an understatement!! Tears of joy to my soul to see the excitement on Eric's face!! Thank you for sharing this intimate moment in your life and that of Eric's challenges that he faces!! I hope he will never be without honest friends to have throughout his life!! Love; from afar!! Dennis
Wow! That is such a beautiful wonderful thing. I have a Autism brother and have a mental handicap son, So I understand how this is. And Eric we will be your like to be your friend too. And Great Job on making that Death Star.
Eric you are a lovely young man. What a great job with the LEGO. Very talented.
Dear Eric, I am so happy for you. I wish you joy & happiness always. It was a pure joy watching your surprise & happiness opening up your gift. You did an outstanding job putting your model together. It is beautiful. You are a gift to all who know you. ❤️
How wonderful for Eric, love it ❤
Aww that’s just So very beautiful!! Yes darling Eric, you are loved and have friends all over this planet. Bless
I have a huge smile in my heart! How awesome was that! Yea for Eric and WOW for the kindness of friends!
Jesus, thank you for blessing the person who gave the boy this present. It is so god to se people showing love.
That is AWESOME, Eric!!! You have wonderful friends, for sure!
Wow! When I saw the “Death Star“ I was shocked too! I’m so happy for you Eric (I’m also a Star Wars fan.)🤣
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 !!!
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!
This was so heart warming
. Eric's reaction was priceless
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.
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!
Have a blessed Sunday everyone!!!!
such a blessing ♡♡♡
This is such a great video. My prayer the Lord continue to bless you and be with you and your family throughout the year.
Very God inspired words and feelings. It's eternal Christmas spirit. Thank you for sharing💛💛💛😇
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!
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.
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 have an austic son who Loves Lego builds the most amazing things which shows he will be a great help to the future of the world.
Eric is a wonderful grateful Soul thank you for sharing. He is brought up so well .
Add another fan and friend who cried to the list. You definitely spread joy and share kindness so it’s only fitting you receive some in return.
Your the Amazing gift Eric. My son Dominic is autistic and he is the light in my life. May God bless you
😍 Gracias Dios por tanto amor y esperanza... Un abrazo muy fuerte... 🌷
That is the sweetest thing I have seen all year! Eric is a blessed boy indeed!
I'm in tears watching this! What kind souls to send such an amazing gift to your Eric!! God bless him always.
This is the sweetest thing ever!! I am literally crying!
Wow Pugh my heart so much. That’s just amazing.
As someone who's on the autism spectrum myself (tho it's not that serious for me so I don't think about it much) I can relate to Eric a bit. I'm still figuring out how to navigate through everyday life too. It's difficult at times ngl but not impossible.
Eric's a great kid. Whoever sent him that death Star, u just made his day like u wouldn't believe. Much love to Eric and all of u guys 🥰😍👑❤️
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!