~ Our Shining Star ~
One of the coolest things about the event was having the opportunity to raise awareness. Aiden, our team mascot, was there in full force Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. I didn't expect for his star to shine so brightly, but he was totally on point.He loves the fact that his face is on a T-Shirt. He loves the fact that we are forming an Army and walking in his honor. He loves thinking of cool ways to make money! The other night he suggested that we sell puppies to good homes and any money we make will go to Autism Speaks. After we had explained to him why that probably wouldn't work for us, he decided that we should go into the pizza business. Next he suggested we open a bakery that makes gigantic cakes, and last of all was his idea to sell a few of his own unwanted teddy bears I'm glad that my little man is so excited about this!
The highlight of the entire weekend came totally unexpectedly. Aiden and his dad were chatting with people in the tent and collecting donations. There was a brief pause as the music switched from one song to another. When the music started up again Aiden rushed out to the dance floor to get his groove on. Aiden is a riot when he dances! He has rhythm but sometimes it gets lost in his silliness. Lately his dancing includes a lot of Michael Jackson type moves! He dances everywhere we go: the grocery store, the mall, a restaurant, the doctors office, etc. The music just takes over his body and he can't help himself!
So there is Aiden, wearing his AAArmy T-Shirt, dancing alone on the dance floor at the front of this huge tent. A large crowd of people sat just feet away from him, but he didn't seem to notice or he just didn't care. The entire crowd turned their attention to the front of the tent where my little man was taking center stage. His entire body moved with the music, his brow furrowed with determination. He began to clap his hands and the crowd started to clap with him. Every eye in the tent was on him. He had their full attention. He looked amazed at the response he was getting and was even more stunned when two little girls went up to start dancing with him. He glanced at his dad, waiting for the okay to keep going. J gave him a thumbs up and Aiden went right back to his performance.
"Good job, Aiden!" echoed one mans voice.
"Yay, Aiden!" chimed in another man.
"Woo hoo! You rock!" came a female voice from outside of the tent.
All around, people were cheering him on by name and loving the show that The Monkey was putting on. The energy in the room was so positive - all you could feel was the love and acceptance. Aiden's brown eyes sparkled with joy as his tiny feet moved him around the dance floor. He was smiling from ear to ear and he beamed with pride every time an onlooker would yell words of encouragement. When the song ended, several people walked over and handed him money. This happened a couple more times throughout the afternoon, but nothing was quite like that first time. I've never seen my little man so full of confidence. He was on top of the world.
J (Aiden's dad <3) later told me he felt guilty about the whole situation. He felt like we were putting Aiden on display and advertising the fact that he has autism. I told him that I couldn't disagree with him more. This is why.
All it took was that one song for people to see the real Aiden. Not the Aiden that has to fight to dominate his autism, but the Aiden that is sometimes dominated by autism. When that music turned on and he began to dance, his autism became insignificant and unimportant. People saw the happy, joyful, funny, sweet Aiden. Maybe the next time they see a child having a meltdown at a grocery store, they will think twice about passing judgement on the mother or the child. Maybe they will remember my baby boy, dancing around that tent without a care in the world. Maybe they will remember seeing him in that moment where he was just a normal little boy. Maybe they will remember the pride and joy that radiated from his face as the people began to cheer him on. Maybe, just maybe, they will realize how many families are affected by autism. Maybe they will picture Aiden, this amazing little boy who is so full of joy, and teach their kids to be accepting, kind, and tolerant of those who are different. It was a magical moment and I know he made an impact on many hearts and minds that day.
~ Reaching Out ~
My favorite part of the fundraiser (aside from Aiden's perfromance) was meeting other people who were affected by autism. A single dad who's son was newly diagnosed. His eyes were filled with fear and uncertainty... Something I'm all too familiar with. A fourteen year old girl who's best friend has autism. She has been spending the last two years learning all about the disorder and babysits special needs children for short periods of time to make some extra money. A teacher who works with autistic children. A man who was married to a woman who had two kids on the spectrum. I could go on for awhile.We met some truly amazing people and heard some heartbreaking stories. There is one girl who sticks out in my mind more than any other person we met. She came up to the table looking very anxious and unsure. Her big hazel eyes were full of insecurities and you could tell she was contemplating just turning around and making a quick escape. She slowly proceeded to ask for information on support groups for families of those affected by autism. Turns out, she was worried about her stepson. She said that he is five years old and very delayed. He has strange behaviors that nobody can seem to figure out. The problems have been brought to the mothers attention, but she refuses to seek help. She thinks that if he has autism, then something must be wrong with her and that his disability must be her fault. The boys' father was indifferent and the childs paternal grandmother didn't believe in autism, so the odds are really stacked against this child. The chances of him getting the help he needs are very slim.
I was struck by her love for a child who wasn't even her own. How is it that the boys biological parents don't care enough to seek help, but the stepmother does? I think it says a lot about the parents and about the stepmother. I directed her to several websites that have helped me research strategies in the past. My hope was that she could implement a few of these strategies with her stepson. I also gave her my contact information, in case she ever needed to talk. I haven't heard from her yet, but I really hope that I do.
~ Shout Out's & Thank You's ~
First & foremost, I want to thank my mom for her support. I have been so blessed with an amazing mother who supports and encourages both Aiden and I. We love you, Mom!
Thank you to everyone who came out to help with the fundraiser - Mom, Dad, Jon, Felisha, Abby, Jacob, Grandmother, Claire, Liberty, Megan, Vic, Shannon, Lexi, and Kendall. You guys were amazing... ESPECIALLY the kids! It was such a great time!
Thank you to Dana Koller and Z.sHat.com for giving us this opportunitny!
Thank you to Melanie Burns and Achievement Gallery for designing our beautiful shirts and for sponsoring our team.
And thank you to anyone out there who is reading this or supporting us in any way.