CNU-At my mother’s Sunday dinner, my sister offered to take my five-year-old daugh…

her too much. Dr. Lowe helped. Her teacher, Mrs. Rodriguez, helped. We practiced “safe shining,” which meant Laya could enjoy being seen without feeling responsible for anyone else’s feelings.

On the night of the play, the auditorium smelled like dust, hairspray, and warm bodies. Parents whispered. Toddlers dropped crackers. The stage curtain twitched.continue reading …