According to Cure Autism Now, "sometimes, families with a child with an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) find themselves isolated from others, either because the parents are overwhelmed and too tired to do anything, or because they are worried or embarrassed by what their child may potentially do (or not do) in a social situation. Parents or other caregivers may find themselves becoming depressed, or withdrawing from civic, religious or recreational activities they once enjoyed."
Transplanting the Tolkien characters of Frodo Baggins and Smeagol into that situation and what exists is a parallel. Tenuous perhaps, but that doesn't mean they can't hold a charity screening of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in their efforts to raise funds.
The cut of the final installment of the trilogy is anything but comfortable in a society of twitchy folk. Those free from the burden can at least for the night revel in their part for parting with $100 in an opportunity to wear their philanthropic hearts.
Written on Wednesday, 10 December 2003