I walk for my son, Elijah, who was diagnosed with Autism in 2010 at the age of 2.
I walk for the sleepless nights in the early days of diagnosis, wondering what the future would hold.
I walk for the relentless commitment to the cause by my wife, who spent hours upon hours researching, reading, reaching out, working for a better future.
I walk for my son, Ryder, who does not have autism…, he who loves his brother with the purest of hearts.
I walk for my boys, who sometimes play together, sharing a laugh or a smile.
I walk for more laughs and smiles, shared by us all in the future.
I walk for my son, Elijah, who will enjoy a future that will see him rise to the best of his abilities, thanks to the dedication of so many.
I walk for the peace of mind, knowing that this was my calling in life…that I am here on the Earth for a greater good.
I walk for the service providers who have blessed my son with their passion and commitment to his cause, and the reaction they share with us at every breakthrough.
I walk for the breakthroughs…no matter how small or unexpected, no matter how long and difficult the path forged.
I walk because I can. Because I have a voice, and I refuse to accept a life lived any other way.
I walk because of everyone that my precious blue-eyed blonde has come to represent. The family, the friends, the support group…sharing the breakthroughs and the battles just the same.
I walk for the future.
I walk because sometimes, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, come together for a common cause to change the future, and in doing so, change the world.
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Thanks, beautiful!!
By: Heather on March 16, 2011
at 12:29 am
Very touching! It couldn’t have been said any better!
By: Jenn on March 18, 2011
at 2:23 am
I am very touched by this writing!
By: Anne on March 18, 2011
at 3:13 am
What a wonderful family with a wonder perspective. It’s a beautiful piece of writing!
By: Amanda on March 18, 2011
at 3:17 pm
Well written with passion from one who knows!
By: Dan on March 19, 2011
at 1:04 am
You have expressed most elequently the heart of every parent and grandparent that has a child with Autism. What a blessing these childredn are and how much we can learn through perservance, patience and love. God bless us all!
By: jody on March 19, 2011
at 5:33 pm
You speak the truth for so many of us. Thank you!
By: Melissa Fitch on March 20, 2011
at 2:22 pm