My daughter Maggie, a senior in high school, has been an absolute champ in every aspect of The Current Situation. She wakes herself up in the morning, goes to her online classes and does her schoolwork without (much) complaining, goes for 10-mile bike rides, makes her own lunch, and remains her famously cheerful and funny self. She's working on her Engineering capstone project -- building her own skateboard. She's working her way through "Parks and Recreation" (when they're open, she works for the County Parks) one or two episodes a day. Her lounging and going-out outfits are all impeccably styled. All that wasn't even a surprise.

Where she is going above and beyond is in her love, care, and help for her little brother. Thomas has special needs: he cannot see, walk, or talk. He and Maggie, six years apart, have always had a special relationship; but lately the way she pitches in is unprecedented. She takes Thomas on long walks, makes sure he is wearing his braces and changes his position regularly, helps him practice standing, serves him meals, plays basketball, reads (currently The House at Pooh Corner), roughhouses with him, stretches his hamstrings, cuts his hair, and sometimes tucks him in at night.

Going to school is an especially important part of Thomas's life, providing stimulation for him and respite for me, his primary caregiver. We were all a little worried about what staying home full time with him would be like. We need not have worried, though, because we have a stellar member of the Class of 2020 in the house.