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have handed them on to Keaton.
The family was always watching for his “genius” of
autism; we were aware that high functioning autistic
people might excel in music, science, math, etc.
Keaton was capable in these areas, but his unique
acceleration would be evident to us and to others a
few years later.
He performed in the school talent show, playing the
piano. The cafeteria ladies and staff stood in the back
of the auditorium. Some of them cried and others
cheered to see Keaton on the stage and enjoying
himself. He stood to take a formal bow at the
conclusion of his selection. The bow was an action
he had been taught by his piano teacher. Interestingly
enough, Keaton performed a second time in a piano
recital that day; the recital took place at our Methodist
Church.
The final assembly for the eighth grade students was
attended by both his parents and his grandparents.
We were proud of his recognition as a straight “A”
student, and for his perfect attendance. It was a relief
to Keaton and to all of those closely related to him
that the middle school years came to an end, not with
a loud bang, just with a small sigh!