It is Autism Awareness Month and I am doing something about it.

Just before going to sleep each night, I collect my thoughts and count my blessings.


Almost eighteen years ago I was preparing to become a mother for the first time. I gave birth to a healthy baby boy. I spent the next eighteen years raising that son and two others. My boys are a blessing that I count every day.

For those who know me personally, you know that I am one who strongly believes in the sanctity of family. We all have our strengths and our weaknesses and my family is one of my strengths. This is another one of the blessings that I count.

I have 13 nieces and nephews and a great nephew and a great niece. These beautiful children are another blessing that I count.

My little dude Ryan was lucky number 13. Ryan is now 5 and has captured my heart in a way that I did not know could be done. This little dude is the only person alive that I will allow to call me “dude”.

I have another blessing to count.

I can walk. I can run. I can move.

Today, I ask you for a favor that I never thought I would be asking.

I am running a 5K. Yes, I know that sounds funny to hear, it sounds even funnier to say. But I am running a 5K on May 1, 2011.

I run for Ryan. I run for the Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts. I run to raise money for the center that has done so much for Ryan. I run for the joy of seeing the finish line and for awareness to all.

Please support me by going to the link and donating. I am not asking for much, I need to pull my weight for the team so anything will be helpful.

Thank you!!!!!

https://sna.etapestry.com/fundraiser/HMEA-HoraceMannEducational/5KRunforautismawareness/individual.do?participationRef=162.0.121512333

And I count you as a blessing.