Her First Word

This is a short post today... but oh is it sweet.

I was friends with Marie today. What a little bundle of charm and sass she is! Marie got to meet two little kids today-- a brother and sister, both around seven years old. 

The brother was so cuddly! He just wanted to hug and pet Marie for as long as he could. But his sister was a little different. She just stood, stuck like glue to the ground, but she wore the biggest grin I've ever seen a kid wear. She kept giggling, that beautiful smile never faltering. 

Marie has dealt with kids who are hesitant to touch her before... so she extended her paw, letting the girl know it was OK to touch her. Marie even purred as the brother stroked her tummy; I mean, she is a kitten after all. 

The seconds ticked by, and Marie could tell something wasn't quite right. Nothing bad happened... something was just off. 

The interaction ended with a big hug from Brother and an even bigger smile from Sister. Marie and her attendant left to go back inside for a break.

The attendant pulled me aside once we got to the off set location. Urgency filled her eyes, and I was a little worried I had done something wrong. Little did I know...

The attendant said, "You know those siblings out there? The brother and sister?"

"Yes."

"Their dad just pulled me aside, and told me the little girl was autistic. She has never said a word before... until today. Her first word was Marie."