Today was the Autism Speaks Walk. Prelim numbers say 15K walkers and over $500K raised. Wonderful.
For all the new friends I met today, helloooo!! I'm so glad I was there to share the day with you. I should have a gallery up of pictures in a day or so. I've included a little bit of my story below. I can't tell you how much fun I had meeting all the beautiful children. I had to stop myself from grabbing everyone and giving them a great big hugs.
For all my old friends, this is my surprise! I was beyond excited when Lori asked me to be one of the
official photographers for the walk this year. I must admit that I was going to take snaphsots anyway but, it made me feel extra special to have the "official" tag on me. :) Thanks, Lori!!
My story:
Last year when I joined Autism Speaks, I felt a sense of determination. The committee to bring the walk to Columbus was a set of determined people. We were all effected by Autism. We all felt what it can do to a family. We all knew we wanted things to change.
I cried during the kickoff. My tears were tears of empathy. They solidified the sense of determination. I listened to Marcie bravely speak about her family for the first time. I listened to her inner turmoil of how to handle all the information of her past and all the information of her future. I listened to Harry Slatkin honestly speak about his family. I watched the pictures of his daughter living with a brother effected by Autism. My heart broke as I saw myself in her eyes. My heart broke when Harry spoke about his fears and his dream to hear his son say “daddy.” My heart broke apart to hear the defeat in his tone when he spoke of his dream.
Last year, all I could think about were the hard times. The sacrifices families go through….the sacrifices I had to go through. I remembered cleaning up broken windows and broken walls after temper tantrums. I remember trying to potty train a school aged boy. I remembered trying to find a way to prevent a determined child from opening the window, popping the screen out and running around the backyard naked. I remembered discussing what to when this wonderful brother of mine no longer has his rock. His mother. What is he going to do….what am I going to do….when our mother is no longer here.
This year is different. This year is about hope. Marcie is a woman…a mother…showing that an autistic diagnosis is not worse than a death sentence. Harry speaks of taking long walks with his son, arms intertwined, and fewer tantrums. This is not just about living with and being effected by Autism…this year is about hope that one day we will find out what causes Autism. This year is about knowing that a cure is coming.
This year, I remember the good times. I remember holding my little brother and rocking him to sleep. I remember him running off the bus and holding my hand. I remember the brief, but beautiful, moments of eye contact. I remember the kisses of love. I remember the recognition he has in his eyes even after I haven’t seen him for months and months.
This year, I’m not asking you to donate money. I’m asking you to give some hope.
**It's not too late to give!!
Click here to donate!
