A 12 Year-Old Gentleman

This is Hunter. He's 12.
Hunter was diagnosed with high-functioning Autism when he was four. We've passed the days when he wore the same clothes for weeks at a time and when he cried over a change as small as rearranging furniture.

He's a smart kid, he does well in school. On the academic side. He struggles with social interactions, but he's learning.

He makes me laugh. A lot.

For example, just today. We went to the doctor's office for the required booster shot for 7th grade.

"You mean I can't go to jr. high without this shot?"

"Yep, that's the rule."

He was almost shaking. I tried without success to reassure him. When we got into the room, he looked like he might melt into a puddle on the floor. I had to hold his arms.

"Just look at my face and count with me." He squirmed. "Hold still. Count. One. Two. (Shot goes in.) Three. Four. Five. Six."

Done.

"What, done? You're done?"  The nurse nods. "Wow. That didn't hurt at all."

I laughed all the way to the car.

And, then, there was his essay. Like I said, smart kid. He had to write an essay for school and he wrote it himself, no help from me. They were learning about medieval times and he was studying to be a knight and a gentleman. After the weeks of practice, he wrote an essay about it. When I read it, I almost fell off my chair. Here's an excerpt--

One requirement to become a proper gentlemen and knight is to make meals for the family and clean up.  Personally, I actually like that idea to make a meal because when you get married with 
your wife, the man usually cooks the meals for the family. (Not sure what family he's been living in.)

Another example of a requirement to become a proper gentlemen and knight is to learn to fight with your sword and shield that you made. Personally, I love that idea. I actually have done that and I love it. (Of course he does.)

But, the best part was this--

One of the requirements to become a proper gentlemen and knight is to pull out chairs and open doors for all ladies. Personally, I don’t see why men in training have to do that to all women.

 Women can do that by themselves. It makes no sense.  

Here's hoping he finds a very independent wife. But, hey, she won't have to cook any meals, so it all evens out.