It has been said that a girl’s 16th birthday is a sweet one. Here is a list of Gold’s Sixteen Sweets:

Chocolate Cake with pink icing and colored sprinkles without the 16 candles.

Vanilla Ice cream- sweet and tastes good as a dessert side.

A pink rose with soft petals and perfume smell.

A conversation where you are the listener and it is between your two children and they hear each other and know exactly what to say back and they talk like they know each other better than you feel like you know them.

A card sent to a friend, a family member, an acquaintance, for all sorts of reasons and for no real at all except for– just because.

A trickle of tears flowing down because you are reminded that Jesus really really loves you and suffered and died for you and at that moment it is time for you to take communion for the first time.

A meal eaten in total silence. Those around the table, chewed, swallowed, and looked around and wondered about the day.

Being brave and signing a song in ASL about real hope in front of a teen audience.

Writing a letter to someone famous just like you were their close friend and receiving a letter back.

Saying: “I’m not ready to drive. There is too much to think about.” And being content with that.

Knowing what to do on a day that feels like a day of nothing extraordinary.

Talking and laughing with one friend about something. Talking and laughing with another friend about something else.

Creating a treasure to keep or give away.

Cooking something for yourself, eating it, and it tastes just right.

Changes happen and you say: “That’s how it is.”

Knowing you have autism but more so that you are someone not just anyone because you are a child of God.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 Easy English Bible Version: I tell you this: I have decided what I will do for you. I have plans to help you to do well. I do not want to hurt you. I want to give you hope for a good life in the future. When you call out to me, I will hear your prayers.