KeatonStory

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he wrote that he wanted them to know he would

soon be the author of a book. Keaton considers the

couple to be his friends. He had the husband for

science and the wife was his psychologist in high

school. Evidently the couple feels the same way about

Keaton. The former teacher shared with us that the

world would be a different place if others “had the

heart” that Keaton has.

We have in our antique kitchen cabinet, several copies

of lists that Keaton has printed on the computer.

There is a list of people he wants to invite to our

wedding anniversary celebration. This party is

still fifteen months away. There is still plenty of time

to make final arrangements for the reception! The

revisions are numerous; he adds and subtracts names

to the list as he deems appropriate. At times the list is

so long that we have to adjust our minds to consider

the church fellowship hall, rather than our newest

restaurant and conference center. Keaton’s attention

to details and his need to have facts accurate and

settled in his mind is one of his traits of autism. This

is evident in several of the accounts of his actions.

In addition to a list of names and telephone numbers

of persons Keaton feels I should have on my bulletin

board, I have a list of people to whom Carl and I

should send one of our picture family Christmas

cards. Our immediate family now has sixteen people

and counting. Maybe that should be waiting; we

have no great grandchildren as yet. His number of

recipients of our cards continues to grow. Keaton

enjoys having friends and acquaintances he can list

and number. He wants the same thing for us.