Back to the ABC Photos, and posting "N" early in honor of World Autism Awareness Day...

N is for Napping Nephew

Of all the pictures I have taken in my life, this ranks among my very favorites.
I love the snuggly blanket, the bare toes, the peaceful countenance.
I love the way he looks just like any other kid.

This is my beautiful 10-year-old nephew DJ.
Like most kids, he's a little angel when he's asleep.
Like most kids, when he's awake, it's a different story.
Except that DJ isn't like most kids. His is a different story.

At Grandma's
he doesn't run to the playroom with his cousins.
He doesn't laugh and shout with them.
He doesn't even talk to them.
He stays with the adults
walking in circles
jumping up and down
hanging out by the food.
When I say hello to him, he doesn't answer
but he might grab the chip out of my hand
take a bite out of it, then give it back
with a mischievous grin.
I think that means hello.

So many cousins
playing, laughing, giggling
coming down the stairs all decked out
in dress-up clothes from the playroom trunk
sitting around the table on the porch
playing badminton in the yard
opening presents in the den.
DJ doesn't join them.
DJ isn't like them.

Yet he is
every bit as precious
as any of them
especially
in the sight of God
his maker.

 Pray for Autism Now