Just Put One Foot in Front of the Other

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much (Helen Keller)

I'm all registered and ready to reunite our team for the 2012 Georgia Walk Now for Autism. Our team name, "The YaYa's" is inspired by Yael's nickname, given to her when she was only days old.

Every year I look forward to the walk. Some might wonder why that is. I'll tell you...

First, the walk reminds me that there is strength in numbers. Looking out at a sea of people, numbering in the thousands, reminds me that our family is far from alone on this journey. The collective strength of the families, friends, educators and professionals that walk, demonstrates that we truly are a force to be reckoned with. Sometimes it's easy to lose sight of that when you are immersed in the trenches day to day. Truth is, we're all part of something much bigger than ourselves and our own families.

Second, some might expect that an event like the walk would be filled with melancholy people full of sadness and a sense of defeat. Perhaps they envision a large group of self-professed victims, sitting around holding a gigantic pity party. That could not be further from the truth. The feeling of hope, pride and unconditional love and support is palpable. T-shirts profess team pride, often championing a single child or loved one who lives with autism. Phrases like, "Autistic Kids Rock" or "I am not a Tragedy" tell the world that though we want answers and a greater understanding of autism, we sure as hell don't want to be pitied or appeased. We are proud mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, friends and family of incredibly unique and amazing human beings who happen to have autism. Some may walk for a cure, others to raise money for advocacy, research and intervention and still others walk simply because they want to stand up and be counted. And when we walk, it is with our heads held high, our chins up and our hearts full.

Third, from the moment that we step into the area where the walk is held, Yael can look around and see kids just like her. So much of her life she lives in the minority. One of the few kids in her school, at her synagogue, in her neighborhood or at her camp, who has autism. But at the walk, it is the total opposite. She sees younger kids, older kids and adults, all living with autism. She gains a greater understanding of the spectrum upon which she lives and gets to meet some of the neighbors who live there with her. It may not sound like much, but to her it is one of the rare and precious moments where she gets to feel as if she truly fits.

Fourth, let's be honest. It is easy to feel drained as the parent of a child with autism. There is so much to do from advocacy to therapy, helping your child develop social skills and so much more. Sometimes I feel like I am running on vapors and my gas tank is on "E." After spending a morning at The Georgia Walk for Autism, I always feel like I have been given just the boost of energy that I need to keep on going. I feel empowered, strengthened, emboldened and ready to keep doing what I do. I am reminded why I started this blog in the first place. It isn't simply to write down my family's experience with autism, but to try to raise awareness, encourage advocacy, inspire people who may just be starting out on this journey or simply to connect with another human being and let them know they are not alone.  But, I'm the mother of three, the wife of a busy rabbi, a preschool teacher and a blogger. I don't always feel like I am doing any one of those jobs particularly well and when I am running low on time and energy, it gets even harder to strike a balance. While I would never turn down a good massage, a day to myself or the ability to eat tons of chocolate without gaining a pound, none of these things gives me quite the same boost as an advocate and parent of a special needs child, as this walk does.

And finally, I feel as if this walk is our family's chance to stand together, to give back and to pay it forward all at the same time. We stand together as one team, inspired by our captain, Yael. We are a mother, a father and two sisters who are united in our desire to honor Yael, demonstrate our acceptance, love and pride in the person that she is and the lessons she has taught us. We give back to those who helped Yael get to where she is. We know with each step that we take that she would not have come this far without the devoted educators, therapists, friends and family who have accompanied us on this journey. They are often the unsung heroes, the behind the scenes talent that never take center stage. But we know who they are. We walk for them as well.  And we pay it forward with the money we raise. We help to fund advocacy efforts, research and interventions that are so incredibly important not only for family's like ours, but for all of those who live with autism and those who love and care for them.

So, if you happen to be in the Atlanta area on Sunday, May 20 you should come check out the walk at Atlantic Station. If you've never participated, I sure hope you'll consider doing it sometime. It's a beautiful and powerful thing to be a part of. Learn more at Walk Now for Autism Speaks.