Yes, it’s that time of year again, and it does get a little easier with a 16 year-old compared to when he was 4 and in the throws of a full-fledged autistic tantrum. For some reason, natural smiles are harder to elicit from the teenager, presenting more like a painful grimace, even when trying to get him to say “puppies.” And “put your arm around your Mom”? Forget it.

But we experienced a new phenomenon afterward when Jim and I were selecting “the” photo. Daniel, who usually sits at a distance, patiently or impatiently waiting for us to finish, pulled up a chair and sat with us. And started commenting, “I don’t like that one, I’m not smiling enough,” etc. WOW! We affirmed his comments by saying, “OK, that one’s out” and complimenting him on his participation. It was great. And my husband was the one who observed this was a first for us.

It was good. Thank you, God, for meeting us right where we live.