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Hello, Most of you who read this know me enough that you are aware that I walk with a walker, Although that isn't what I'm writing about today. I have been recruited by my lifelong friend to take part in an Autism Speaks event, the event is being held on October 16, 2010 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Since being recruited, for this, I have been doing some thinking. I don't have Autism, I have Cerebral Palsy; and I'm not a special needs parent, but I was a speial needs child. I remember very clearly the numerous battles that my mother had to take up on my behalf. Moreover, I am now able to understand more clearly the many sacrifices that are required of a special needs parent, and in my case, a single one. My mother isn't perfect, but I know without a doubt that I am loved. Over the years, I watched my mother sacrifice much needed sleep, a social life, better paying jobs (for fear of losing my benefits), time, energy, her sanity, and a whole lot more. She did these things in order to make sure I got the extra help that I needed. These are things that I witnessed at a young age; however, I was unable to appreciate the sheer magnitude of these sacrifices at such a tender age. There are always going to be shared experiences that link the special needs parent to the average parent. Although there are some experiences that only a fellow special needs parent can understand. Having said this, I believe that all parents are, or should be, willing to "go to the mat," for their child's health and well being, their happiness, and for their chance to succeed. In saying all of this, there is a point; so please bear with me a little longer. My mother is an amazing woman, as are all mothers. However, to excell at being the parent of a special needs child is a task, a calling if you will, that none can ask for, few can accept, and only an elite few are blessed with, and able to experience. You didn't misunderstand me, I did say blessed to experience. because even with all the stares, whispered words, and pointed fingers, at the end of it all, most special needs parents indeed feel blessed with, and a better person for, having had the opportunity to raise, love, and shape the life of such an amazing individual. The special needs parent experiences the entire gamut of emotions available to human beings on any given day; heck, in any given hour, of the day, for that matter, LOL. Now, getting more to my point and purpose in writing this. Special needs parents do not need our sympathy, though empathy is always appreciated. While I will never dispute that growing up with cerebral palsy was not easy for me, I believe it was easier for me than for some other individuals with special needs. There exists another group of individuals under the umbrella of special needs that have, at times, a much more difficult road to navigate. The individuals I speak of, are the ones who look "normal," but they are a part of the special needs family just the same as I do. More specifically, I speak of those whose lives are affected by Autism, Behavioral Disorders, life altering Food Allergies, and a plethora of other conditions and disorders that I am unable to name. I feel empathy for this group; because, unlike myself, they don't look as though they have a disabily. As such, they and their parents are subjected to unthinking criticisms, public ridicule, rude stares, or to just being ignored and altogether avoided because of their child's behavior. Even more saddening is the fact that they, or their children, can no more control this, than I am able to control the bulkiness or noise of my walker. Although, I know that while my empathy might be politely aknowledged, accepted even, empathy is not action, and it WILL NOT accomplish or change anything about the situation. It is time for action, time to actively do something to help this uniquely special group of people; by helping them, by choosing to take part, we can give these parents hope for the future, and hope is priceless. It is because of this desire, to give hope, that I have decided to participate in the 2010 Autism Speaks event being held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on October 16, 2010. For those of you who don't know, my best friend, Angelique Reynolds, is the mother of a 5 little boy named Mikey; Michael has been diagnosed with Asperger's, a high functioning form of Autism. I'm very proud to know her, because not only is she a wonderful friend, but she is an amazing mother who actively commits herself to securing not only a better, brighter future for her son, but for all of those, whose lives are, touched by Autism. Now I know that not everyone is in a position to donate money, and I totally understand that. However, each and every one of you is able to provide a link to this on your page; even better, copy and paste this into an email and forward it to your contacts list. Because by doing even that, you are helping Angelique and the countless other parents of Autistic children fight this batte, the battle for their children to have the brightest possible future. After all, isn't that the gift that every parent longs to give their child?

 

Thanks for listening, and don't forget to spread the word, Amber

http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.com/

you can search for walker: Amber Deese or Angelique Reynolds 

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