My son Jack has autism. He is eighteen.
In July Jack moved into a residential space. He takes classes at a nearby college.
We decided his first year away wasn’t about academics. It was about finding out if our son could live away from us.
Every week he bakes for the other students and staff in his residence.
He chooses a recipe.
He makes a list.
He goes to the grocery store and puts the ingredients in his cart.
Today he made spider cookies.
This boy Jack.
He is building a life for himself.
Food. Fellowship. Community.
To say I never imagined this day would come is a tremendous understatement.
The year of Jack. Indeed.
CREDIT: CARRIE CARIELLO