Waterpark In: Alabama

Twelve-year-old Maya and her younger brother, Leo, had saved their chore money all summer for one thing: a day at Bama Blu, the biggest waterpark in northern Alabama. Leo, who had autism, had been studying the park’s map for weeks. He’d memorized every slide color, every wave pool schedule, and most importantly, the location of the quiet “sensory break” zone near the lazy river.

A teenage lifeguard named DeMarcus noticed. Instead of just yelling “walk slowly” from his high chair, he climbed down. He knelt so he was eye-level with Leo. waterpark in alabama

DeMarcus winked. “Maps show where things are. Kindness shows you how to use them.” Twelve-year-old Maya and her younger brother, Leo, had