Today, we participated in our first walk for autism. The Hartman's, a family in our ward, has a daughter, Sarah, that has autism. They told us about it and invited us to walk with them this year. It has been such a blessing to know them and have someone else understand what we are going through. Their two older daughters, Allison and Kate, are in young women so I have been able to teach them for the past two years. While Matt has been gone on externships, Kate and Allison were so willing to sit with me and help me with the kids. We sure do love and appreciate their family. We were a couple of minutes late for the walk and we really didn't realize just how many people would be there. I realized at that moment that we were definitely not the only ones affected by autism. It was sort of an empowering moment for me. We walked around with hundreds of other people that were just like us. For once, I felt like I didn't need to explain my boys odd behavior because there were other children doing the same things. I felt for that short mile that we were all "normal" in a different world. We really enjoyed ourselves. After the walk, we went around to some booths that they had set up with information on schools and programs all centered around helping those with autism. There was music and games for the kids to play. The walk was put on by autismspeaks.org and is nation wide. We registered and created a team (Gabriel and Gatlin's Team) and we could have hosted a fundraiser to help aid in the research for autism. We didn't do that this year. But now, we know what to expect and plan on participating every year.
Kate, Gabriel, Allison, and Gatlin
Kate and Gabriel
Gatlin
We did it!
Today, we participated in our first walk for autism. The Hartman's, a family in our ward, has a daughter, Sarah, that has autism. They told us about it and invited us to walk with them this year. It has been such a blessing to know them and have someone else understand what we are going through. Their two older daughters, Allison and Kate, are in young women so I have been able to teach them for the past two years. While Matt has been gone on externships, Kate and Allison were so willing to sit with me and help me with the kids. We sure do love and appreciate their family. We were a couple of minutes late for the walk and we really didn't realize just how many people would be there. I realized at that moment that we were definitely not the only ones affected by autism. It was sort of an empowering moment for me. We walked around with hundreds of other people that were just like us. For once, I felt like I didn't need to explain my boys odd behavior because there were other children doing the same things. I felt for that short mile that we were all "normal" in a different world. We really enjoyed ourselves. After the walk, we went around to some booths that they had set up with information on schools and programs all centered around helping those with autism. There was music and games for the kids to play. The walk was put on by autismspeaks.org and is nation wide. We registered and created a team (Gabriel and Gatlin's Team) and we could have hosted a fundraiser to help aid in the research for autism. We didn't do that this year. But now, we know what to expect and plan on participating every year.
Kate, Gabriel, Allison, and Gatlin
Kate and Gabriel
Gatlin
We did it!
2 comments:
What a neat experience. Sounds like you guys are doing great. My niece's oldest son was just diagnosed with autism. They suspected but have just had it confirmed. I hope you don't mind if I show her tour blog. I know it would give her comfort.
How awesome!? I love how involved yall are and you are such a great example to moms everywhere! The boys look so cute! And I LOVE the 'ninja' suits! They look precious, how crazy that clothing can change the way a child acts. That is really cool! You are such a good mama, Sarah...thanks for being an inspiration!
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