I stood there with my eyes closed, listening to the raindrops falling on the leaves. The trees in our front yard created a green canopy above us yet we could still feel some raindrops falling on our heads. I could smell the freshness of nature around me. I felt the warm sun coming through the branches. Yes, this was a funny show nature came up with for us today, rain and sun at the same time.

Just ten minutes earlier I was watching something on my computer in our new AC cooled living room when Dan came to me and insisted we go outside and blow bubbles. I tried to tell him it is raining and it is not a good idea but he insisted. Sometimes it is hard to change the mind of a person with autism.

After ten minutes of asking and one heart-melting smile I gave in and we both put our sandals on and went outside.

When we went out everything was wet so I couldn’t sit. I stood and blew bubbles, watching Dan pop them with his hands and sometimes waiting for them to peacefully get to the wet ground before he stepped on them.

Everything around us was quiet besides the raindrops falling on the trees. It was nature at its best. Majestic.

It made me think that this is what Dan does to me.

He makes me do things I would not otherwise do. See things I would not otherwise see. Listen. Understand.

I would never have gone outside during the storm if it wasn’t for him. I would’ve stayed inside and miss out on all of this beauty.

I would never have written the book about love and acceptance if it wasn’t for him. I would probably still practice law somewhere.

I would never have opened myself to different experiences and so many wonderful people as I have, if it wasn’t for him.

Funny how life takes you places, don’t you agree?