💛 My Found Family at Work

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💛 My Found Family at Work

Posted by Caleb | August 7, 2025 | Tags: autism, found family, workplace, mental health, quiet fighter

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how people come into our lives and unexpectedly become something we never had growing up. Support. Safety. Care that doesn’t hurt.

At work, I’ve started to realize… I’m building a found family. Not all at once — but one connection at a time.

And yeah, maybe it sounds cheesy. But for someone like me — autistic, queer, carrying a whole lot of life — this isn’t just a nice thing. It’s survival. And it’s something I’m proud of.

🧰 Here’s what that family looks like:

👨‍🔧 Boss-Dad — Ryan

He keeps the shop moving and holds the authority.
He might not say much, but there’s something grounding about him. I didn’t grow up with a stable father figure — so even the small ways he shows up offer something I never had: structure I can trust.

🧡 Mom #2 — Miranda

She’s my rock. Been with me through meltdowns, shutdowns, and crisis moments. She’s the only person I trust to physically help me when I’m in that space.
I call her "Mom #2" that title is sacred to me. She’s not just a coworker. She’s family.

👵 Work Grandmother — Jeana

There’s something about the way she checks on me. It feels like the grandmother I never had — someone warm, who genuinely cares, without judgment.
When she looks out for me, it feels soft and safe. Like I’m being seen for who I am, not just what I do.

🧢 Work Brother — John

He’s the balance to all the heavy stuff. Jokes, support, and just being present. He gets it without making it weird.
He reminds me I’m not alone in the grind. That even on the hard days, I’ve got someone in the trenches with me.

🐉 Me — Caleb, The Quiet Fighter

I’m the one pulling this family together without even trying.
I show up. I feel things deeply. I care even when it’s hard. And I’m learning that I don’t have to go it alone.

✨ Final Thoughts

Family isn’t always about blood. Sometimes it’s about showing up for each other on long shifts, during tough days, or quiet moments when someone notices you're not okay.

I might not have grown up with this kind of care — but I’m building it now. And that means everything.

You don’t have to be loud to be strong. You don’t have to be related to be family.

— Caleb 🐉

🏷 Tags: #autism #foundfamily #workplace #quietfighter #mentalhealth #chosenfamily #neurodivergentvoices #bloglife

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