This is Miles.

He has autism.

He is twenty-seven.

After two interviews, Miles got a job bagging groceries at our local store.

He was anxious about making sure he put each item in the bag fast enough.

His mom bought a bunch of different items. Bread, eggs, cleaning products.

Standing at the kitchen counter, they practiced. She slid things to him and he placed them in bags.

In life with autism, there are no accidents. There are no shortcuts.

It is work and practice and planning and determination.

Please join me in congratulating Miles. The world awaits.

And a shout out to all the businesses who give kids like ours a chance to shine.