One Pink, One Blue
Why?
I was recently asked by a close friend:
“Why are you hosting an autism event Pete?
Your kids don’t have autism, what’s the connection?”
I have always believed that “Why?” is the most important question we can ask ourselves.
If you dig just a little into your thoughts, you quickly realize that every single move you make starts with a decision, a decision to answer that very question:
“Why?”
The many answers to this one-word question cover the entirety of human desire.
Because
Because holds the answer. Why drink water? Because of thirst. Why eat? Because of hunger.
In these instances, the answers to “Why?” are simple: Because there are physically manifested needs we all experience (causes) that we each must address. Functions of the body in the physical world that drive us to action.
But what about the deeper “Why”? Why do you hug your children, your spouse, your family?
I believe it is because you love them. Love. That is the real motivator.
Love is the answer to the big “WHY?” Folks are motivated by love.
“Because I love my child.” A parent has only to say those words to justify any sacrifice.
One Pink, One Blue
My wife Kathi and I were blessed twice with children. We became parents in August of 1995, when our son Michael was born, and again in March of 1998, with the birth of our daughter Samantha.
I can remember, as I imagine all parents can, the time my wife and I spent thinking about the health of our yet to be born children:
Will they be ok?
Then some tests.
Then their births.
Whew…Wow…
They are ok. We are ok.
Why (Bother) or Why Not?
What about the parents who didn’t get the same news? The parents whose journey had just begun?
Since the birth of our children, the rate of autism continues to rise, dramatically.
We see a world where this challenge is increasing, all around us. We see our friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues who have children with autism giving their all, trying to give their children the best they possibly can.
We also see an opportunity, an opportunity to help some parents and children who didn’t get the results we did.
Pink and Blue
We feel that parents who are living with and caring for autistic children have enough to do.
The way we see it, it is up to us to help them.
“Why”, my friend?
Because we can. Because we can help.
We can commit some time to help these parents and children, precisely because we are not struggling with the same daily challenges they are.
We choose to try to help these families, these children.
We choose to try to make a difference. To give back. To help.
We hope that you will join us.
