Walk Now For Autism Speaks

Date: May 20^th, 2012
Time: 9:00 a.m. Opening Ceremony
Place: Atlantic Station — Atlanta, Georgia
Attending: My family and thousands of others

Cause: 2 mile Walk for Autism to raise funds and awareness
It is one of the most prized and anticipated events of the year for our family. A chance to support my sister-​in-​law whom has a form of autism called Asperger syndrome. Asperger’s is a higher functioning form of Autism and is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and by restricted and repetitive interests and behavior. Autism itself is more severe. It is a battle for families, and this is a wonderful time of year where massive support is shown for the cause of finding a cure. So many amazing families walking in team groups in support of a family member or friend, often with their picture printed on the shirts! What I particularly love is the support for each other that is oozing out of every smile and every word of encouragement along the way. Local Sororities cheering as walkers cross the finish line caused some to burst out running with glee. One little fella was so overjoyed with excitement it brought a tear to my eye from the shear joy that radiated from his face.
Today I met Megan, who was only 19 and has Asperger syndrome. She was on our team and we quickly became old friends. Something about my personality & nature bonded with her and I swear I got a hug, or a kiss on the cheek, or a pat on the back, or an arm around my neck about every 5 minutes. She walked with me, danced in the street with me, told me all about her daily life, sat with me when we ate after the event and showed me every picture on her phone (including the one she took of me when I wasn’t looking). My sister-​in-​law nervously watched our interaction, curious to see how I would react to all the attention. Not because she thought I would react badly, but her characteristics of Asperger’s causes her not to like physical contact or people within certain parameters of her personal space. But you know what… I loved every minute of it, because THIS is what life is all about!!! I was sooooo honored that another human being quickly felt a sense of safety in my presence to be themselves that I was moved with every gesture of friendship Megan displayed. It just makes me want to strive that much more to be a better person.

I have soooo many great picture from this event and I hope everyone will take time to view them! Pictures can say so much more that I can write, so please take a moment. We are already looking forward to next year and I’d love it if I saw just one of my Unilocalers join our team in the future! Thanks for reading :-)