QUIET SOLACE

    A good report Lord — what a joy!

    Ben’s teacher has pronounced him

    Calm, co-operative, and smiling…

    Adjectives we have longed to hear.

    Forever in coming; but worth the wait.

    With his maturity…a gentle reserve.

    Even his siblings individually confess

    His demeanor equals “quiet” normalcy!

    Then, a sudden family crisis occurs

    As Ben is scheduled for a visit home.

    Oddly, his behavior is not the source.

    He becomes a comfort in our distress.

    Who would have thought it possible…

    To find solace in one with autism?

    Understanding, without a word spoken…

    Our spirits joined in hushed communion!

                        By: L. Carole Scott

                         Ben–33 years old