My son, Peter, loves music. He’s learning to play the piano and has been taking lessons from a very, very patient piano teacher. While he is with Ms. Kelly, he is alert and focused, listening as she explains chords or a diminished 5th. One day, I hope to hear him play Mozart or Beethoven with feeling and heart—-because he loves it.

Peter is autistic. His communication skills are on the level of an elementary student. He talks in complete sentences but on his terms–not yours or mine. As much as I wish he were “normal,” he has brought so much joy to our lives! He along with his brother (who is also on the spectrum) and his sister are all we could wish for.

A disability is not a horrible thing. It’s just a difference.

Here’s to embracing different!