Let me tell you about Keegan.
For the past nine years, I’ve watched Keegan evolve from a little boy into a teenager. As Keegan grew taller and more mature, the differences between Brantley and his peers became more apparent, highlighting the challenges of Brantley’s profound autism.
In a world where Brantley often faces curious stares or awkward avoidance because of his behaviors, Keegan doesn’t look away or turn his gaze. Instead, he has always greeted Brantley with genuine gestures.
A fist bump, a high five, or a warm greeting—just as he would greet any friend. For years I’ve watched and noticed that Keegan never walks past Brantley without recognition of his existence, each interaction making my heart sing and Brantley’s face light up.
This week at the county fair, I witnessed the true depth of Keegan’s kindness. As our families enjoyed the demolition derby together, Brantley reached out for Keegan’s hand. Despite my insistence that it wasn’t necessary, Keegan grasped something beyond words as he held Brantley’s hand: Brantley needed a friend in that moment and Keegan was committed to fulfilling that need.
Keegan’s actions reveal that true kindness is about understanding and responding to the needs of those around us, no matter how small the gesture might seem.
We should all strive to be more like Keegan It’s this kind of empathy and compassion that creates a more inclusive and caring world—one that eases my worries about Brantley just a little bit more.
#happiness #autismfamily #autismlife #autismparents #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsparents #inclusion
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