Yesterday We bundled up our 3 little ones , packed a diaper bag with snacks, diapers, extra clothes, and drinks and loaded them in the van to head up to Rhienbeck NY to participate in the 10th annual Autism Walk and Expo which ran from 9-1pm. It raises money for Autism in the Hudson Valley and there are various agencies and sponsors there who you can get information from and ask brief questions. The day was breezy and cold but still clear and a good day for our walk to happen.
There was also children activities such as a llama , Elmo, bouncy objects, and child sized drum sets where the kids could go and bang away to their hearts content! Music was provided for walkers to listen to as they made their way around the dirt track that consisted of the walk for autism. There were teams , individuals, families, business you name it walking carrying signs and showing love and support. It was very touching to see all that came out to raise money and awareness for this cause.
As you made your way around the track yellow sign were posted that would inform you about facts, information and anything doing with Autism. We did the track once time as one of us was holding the hand of each twin and the other was holding William's hand and the diaper bag. After we were done we went over the where there was a karate demonstration taking place by children who were breaking boards and jumping through flaming hoops, very exciting!!
The Children played with a sand table,climbed up steep inflatable stairs and went down the inflatable slide, bounced up and down in a inflatable bouncy house, saw elmo and got stickers, and even saw a Llama!
I would have to say the hit of the day was the small child sized drum sets that were set up for the kids that were free for them to play with and make as much noise as they wanted to which they thoroughly enjoyed. No body shhing them or telling them not to do anything just free play and fun which produced a lot of giggling among all the children as the parents watched and told them how well they played and how wonderful it sounded all the while with small smiles upon their faces.
One of the great things about this event is the way I feel at it and it's if William is having a hard time or has a melt down there no one is going to judge , give condescending looks, or think he is just a "bad" kid. They know he is Autistic and is just having a bad moment and that he is not a bad child! What a relief to be able to attend a event and fit in and not be on edge that something is going to happen. If something happens so what , everyone else has been there at some point too! You are among your peers there who are fellow parents, loved ones, and professionals who live ,work or love an Autistic somebody. The stories of hope and support freely shared among strangers is wonderful and inspiring and really makes a happiness fill you inside.
After the kids were getting restless and us parents had enough we ushered them into the van once again with the promise of french fries and other goodies and off we went back to our home. Silence rang out through the car as 3 worn out little children dozed in their car seats and my husband and I enjoyed the silence on our journey home. We broke that peaceful quite only once to look at each other with tired eyes and say "I love you and I had a nice day with you and the kids today" Then once again we rode home but with a small smile of satisfaction on our faces knowing we did something good for not only our children but for our family as well that day.
