Necessities

My sister thrives on sunshine. She says it lifts her spirits and gives her hope.

I try to avoid the sun, or any bright light.

The other day a flickering light spun my head. I screamed uncontrollably. It took me a while to calm down after the lightbulb was replaced.

I’ve learned to find contentment in being alone. At sunset I go out to kick around a soccer ball in the backyard. It frees me of life’s burdens. It lifts my spirits, gives me hope.

Doubt my sister will ever understand. Few people do, what it’s like to have autism.

From Guest Contributor Krystyna Fedosejevs

Our Night Out

Thomas was excited to see Our American Cousin at Ford’s Theatre. President Lincoln would be attending, and he was overwhelmed with contentment that he’d be there on the same night.

Inside the theater, Thomas took his wife’s gloved hand and offered her a seat before seating himself.

The play was amusing and colorful with a copious audience.

Above, Lincoln sat with his wife Mary enthralled with the actors, then a shot fired, and screams erupted. A man jumped onto the stage and yelled before fleeing, “Thus always to tyrants.”

That would be the one and only time I’d see Lincoln.

From Guest Contributor Lisa M. Scuderi-Burkimsher