Day 361

For the rest of the project I'm going to have a few people in
Kelt's life write guest posts. This entry is by my friend Zach.

About half a year ago Ainsley and Kenzi introduced me to Kelton. Before then I only knew a handful of things about him. Throughout the years I've learned from their stories that Kelt was hilarious, social, caring, easy to love, and easy to be loved by. Still having little knowledge of autism at the time, I had no idea how meeting him was going to turn out. All bets were off!

Within a minute of meeting Kelt he gave me the nickname of Joey, which has stuck ever since. He says I look a lot like one of his high school friends with the name... that's right, JOOOOEEEY! The name grew on me fast. It actually catches me off guard when he calls me by my real name.

Since that day Kelt has been nothing less than a good friend. He can bring a smile to my face even when it's not intentional. His positive outlook and attitude is refreshing every time I see him. Although our friendship is fairly new, I'm excited to have the opportunity to learn more about him and how he operates in years to come.

Thanks Kelt!

Day 352

For the rest of the project I'm going to have a few people in Kelt's
life write guest posts. This entry is from one of his best friends, Sean.

Through my life there have been many people, places, and events that have made me who I am and will continue for the rest of my life. In 18 years two things have been the foundation of who I am today, sports and being friends with Kelton.

Kelton has been my best friend since kindergarten and we have had so many great memories together. The thing about Kelton is that he has autism. Some people may think it's weird hanging out with an autistic kid after school and being friends with him, but he has made me who I am today in a huge way. He shows me that no matter what I do in life, there will always be a good thing happening and to keep my head up no matter what happens. He brings a smile to my face every time I see him even if I'm in a bad mood. He'll crack a joke to make me laugh; he'll try to comfort me, or just say hi to make me smile. I helped with Special Olympics bowling this year and he was one of the athletes. I have never seen someone so happy participating in an event until I watched him bowl. There were a few times that he didn't hit any pins and stomped his feet and grunted like he was mad, but seconds later he walked back to his ball, smiled and said, "Watch Sean, I'll hit all the pins down next time." No matter what, he finds joy in everything that he does, which has rubbed off on me, making me the person I am today. I don't know what I'd be like if Kelton wasn't in my life.

Day 59

Kelt's 17th birthday party after playing the Cheetos and shaving cream toss.
His best friends since elementary school. Couldn't ask for a better group of guys.

Day 36

Homecoming! Kelt with his queen.

Day 35

                            Along with high school sports, Kelt also does Special Olympics 
                         bowling. Sean, one of his best friends, helps with bowling, school, 
                              and other aspects of his life; he's always been there for Kelt.

Day 31

Celebrity Artist: Mom

Andrew gave Kelt these keychains for his last birthday.

Kelt: "Wow! There are a lot of stuffies in here!"

Day 30

Kelt won Homecoming King!