Autism Dad: Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving eve – San Diego, CA. Ben’s still in his PJs. Just now he ripped off his top and planted himself on a tree trunk. He’s sitting there as I write, soaking the late afternoon rays, in his own world but very much in my orbit too. Dad is somewhere—maybe at the donut shop—while Ryan is curled up in front of the TV. And Katie, my angel, is in the kitchen preparing for tomorrow’s feast. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt part of a real family, and a long time since I’ve had a traditional Thanksgiving. That notion of happiness that I harbored and which seemed so elusive…right now, it’s staring me in the face.

For this taste of “happiness” I am grateful. And truth be told, it tastes even better than the turkey. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.