(no subject)
Today I reminded a little fellow who has high functioning autism that he needs to use his hands gently. He responded by placing his palm on my cheek and stroking it softly, looking intently into my eyes for a reaction. He whispered the word "gentle" several times, and repeated his touch of my face with other parts of his hands, his eyes both more aware and somehow more innocent than many children his age. The moment was so charged and fragile I hesitated even to smile, not wanting to break his sweet, serious mood. I was probably closer to tears anyway.