... 999 interlocking puzzle pieces create an image, with only one more piece needed to complete the picture. Once that last piece is put into place, there remains a feeling of joy and relief. With my friend Ari, a child with high functioning autism, finding the final piece was a struggle. We had been paired together for several months in The Friendship Circle's activities, yet they never seemed to spark his interest. Undeterred, I searched for the missing piece, seemingly lost forever. Finally the search ended in the form of a baby goat. The mobile petting zoo brought forth a new Ari. Sitting for well over forty-five minutes Ari smiled, shared, and stroked the baby goat. Soon after, with happiness I had never witnessed, Ari proceeded to wrap a nine-foot long snake around his neck, as I cheered five feet away.
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