A green fabric frog and a shiny blue-and-white racecar that transforms into a robot sat on the bedside table in my hospital room. Typical in pediatric wards, toys in the room of this almost-50-year-old neurology patient caused a few questions. With each shift the toys puzzled nurses and technicians. When they asked, I was happy to tell how the toys came to be in my hospital room. Even though I was too tired and disoriented those first few days after head surgery to actually play with my toys, I made sure they were never out of sight. They were a constant reminder of my nephew, Sam, and his thoughtful love.

Born with a mild form of autism, Sam does not always love easily. Family gatherings cause too much noise and disorder for his comfort, and they bring way too many rules. Waiting is agony for Sam. Quietly sitting through a church service is torture. Holidays bring the joy of presents and special treats, but also the frustration of instructions coming from every grown-up in the house and unwanted reminders that a meal of pickles and pumpkin pie will probably cause a stomachache. Sam's angry wrinkled nose and stomping feet are often signals he is unable to cope any longer.

Sam was precious and wanted from the beginning, but his extreme behaviors caused my sister, Diane, to seek medical help. Doctors told her Sam could not connect with people. He did not have the ability to bond with or to really care about others. Sympathy and empathy were not possible for him. Diane handled this devastating diagnosis with patience and prayer. Therapy and medication have helped. Sam is learning about manners and gentleness along with reading and math. He is reminded at home and at church of God's love.

An active first grader, Sam still has difficulty with manners and anger, but he is a wonderful example of love. We still see his nose wrinkle when he's angry, but we also see how he gently cares for his year-old brother. He welcomes family members and friends with smiles. Sam's bear hugs are strong enough to almost lift me off my feet.

This is the child who sent the stuffed frog and robot car. He was worried that his "Aunt Marfa" would be bored during the days I would be in the hospital after my surgery. Several days in bed would have been extremely difficult for him. He would want toys right beside him. When he sent these two favorite toys with his mother, he repeated the toys were for me "to keep, not just to borrow."

When people ask about the frog and the racecar sitting in our living room, I tell the story of Sam and his generous love. I explain how the toys remind me of the love of our Heavenly Father, given to share and "to keep, not just to borrow."