We retreat to our dressing rooms around seven.

The ushers open the doors for our studio audience at seven thirty. A lot of those kids in wheelchairs are back.

This time, I promise, I’ll give them the kind of performance they deserve. One with words and, hopefully, lots of laughs.

Mr. Wetmore brings his daughter, Serena, backstage in her wheelchair to meet me. She has cerebral palsy, but that doesn’t stop her from smiling the sunniest smile I’ve ever seen in my whole life.

“Jamie… you’re my… favorite!”

It takes her a little time to get the words out, but I don’t mind. When I look in her eyes, I can see all sorts of happiness. She makes me feel happy, too.