One April evening many years ago, we welcomed Brendan Michael to our family.  Like most parents we were in awe of our tiny ( also giant at 9,6)being.   We spent any time possible watching his every move, making irrational plans-   how blessed and thankful we were.

A couple years later, pregnant again, life was amazing.  Then a routine check up , a screening- the Doctor thinks he has autism... the world stopped. 

How ? what ?  He plays , laughs, loves, milestones were all on track-  except we didn't know what we didn't know.  There weren't enough words. 

Chaos and confusion ensued:

The best  people in our lives became greater.  Other people disappeared.

We read, we researched, we watched, we wondered, we worried, we cursed, we cried.  At the same time we lived, we learned, we laughed, we loved.  

Hindsight is always more clear.  Brendan was always fine.   Everyone walks a different path in life- we just needed to understand his path- because it wasn't one we had walked or really understood.  He didn't need to be like anyone else. 

We didn't need to help him be like anyone else- we just needed to do what any parent should.  Help him to be the best Brendan he could be. 

And taking the liberty to brag- we must have done something right- because he is pretty amazing . Brendan is pure goodness, kind and loving, supporting and nurturing. His humor and compassion raise me up. 

We have had so many wonderful people in our lives, friends, teachers, family- who have supported us on this journey .

We're walking to be a part of the bigger community, and to help raise money to provide supports for those who need it now and those to come. 

Brendan's potential is Unlimited- as is every persons.  Support Autism speaks to help people to be their best.