Three weeks from today at this exact time we will be starting our 2 mile walk in support of Brycen and all others affected by Autism in Des Moines. This is our 3rd year as Team Brycen and each year is more meaningful to us.
As of today, Team Brycen has raised over $5100 meeting and surpassing our $5000 goal. We will have almost 30 people walking that day in support of Brycen.
Even though the walk takes a mere 45 minutes or so, the meaning behind that time lasts the entire year. I know I've blogged in the past about how much this day means to us, but I don't think it can be said enough. We have very few people in our physical life who truly understand what it means to be a parent to a child with special needs. This will always separate us in some way from other family and friends...not in a negative way, but it just will. Autism encompasses so much of our daily life...from the routine we have at home, to the places we can or can't go with Brycen, to who we allow to care for him. I know there is a saying that a mother thinks twice, not just for herself but for her children. I think parents of special needs children think three times...once for themselves, once for their child as a child, and then a third time as they take into consideration the challenges their child is presented with.
Before, during, and after the walk on June 9, we are surrounded by parents/caregivers who "get it." Not just for the moment, but for the lifetime. Even though I don't know 99% of the people that will be at the walk, they are my "family." Not that I don't cherish my blood family or my close friends, but there are different connections with this "family." I don't wish for anyone to have to parent a child with special needs...but I do think belonging to the special needs "family" has made me a better person. More understanding of differences in life and far less focused on the mateial things.
Thank you for your past, present, and continued support of Brycen and our family! We are grateful for each and everyone of you who has made a difference in our lives through prayers, donations to the walk, kind words of support on those difficult days, and cheerful words of encouragement on those positive days.
If you would like to sign up to walk (the more the merrier!!) or make a donation in support of the team, this link will take you to Team Brycen 2012 fundraising page.
http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=998348&lis=1&kntae998348=732D6DF1E1A8489DB2A59CFB8CD81991&team=4940637
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