For the past few months I have been helping care for two of my grandchildren -  Emilio, 6 and  Laylani, 4 - hence my absence from blogging. Both children are very special to me, but Emilio is extra special because he has autism.  While it has been a challenging experience giving him the needed care, I in turn have been learning so much from him. Every day he teaches me about unconditional love, and every day he gives me the opportunity to practice it. It is not easy.  My biggest challenge is when he is having a typically autistic meltdown.  Unlike a regular tantrum, an autistic meltdown is loud, risky at times, frustrating, and emotionally exhausting. This morning was one of those mornings - I had to continually monitor myself so that I favored keeping my heart open in my responses as I tried to get him ready for school.  The meltdown stopped as suddenly as it started and I felt drained as I waited with him for the school bus.  Then something happened that lifted my spirit and reminded me what a privilege it is to have him in my life.  As we waited for the bus, Emilio saw a man coming towards him.  He immediately called out “Hi,” and gave the stranger one of his beautiful, spontaneous smiles that are always so full of appreciation and love.  The man was taken aback at first - he looked worried as he walked holding a cup of coffee.  Minutes later the stranger came up to us and stooped over to Emilio saying, “I want to thank you for giving me the most beautiful hello I have had in months.  With all that is going on in my life, you have made my day - thank you.”  Emilio smiled lovingly at him and said, “Okay.” As the stranger walked away, Emilio turned to me:  “Nana, where is friend going?” For Emilio everyone is a friend, and I cannot help but wonder what a different world it would be if we all would smile more freely - we never know the difference it could make in another’s life.