Babalu needs you

Originally published November 21, 2004:

A Sunday Gem

Yesterday, while my wife and I were standing at the checkout aisle of a local supermarket, a father and young daughter came and stood behind us in line. The girl must have been about 8 or so. She was beautiful but, we noticed, there was something just not typical of an 8 year old girl about her. She was demure and very quiet. She would stare at things for a few moments and become somewhat introverted. Her father would speak slowly to her and urge her out of her spell.

She was autistic.

The dad was very patient with her. He eased her out of her introvertedness kindly and delicately. It was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. It was hard to see this relationship between this father and daughter and not get choked up.

As the last of our items were being scanned, the girl looked up at my wife, pointed at her and blurted out "Ack!"

My wife smiled at her and said "Hi."

"Ack!" She said again pointing at my wife. "Ack!"

"Come on now, honey." the father said. "Use your words now. Remember your words."

"Ack!"

"Use your words dear. Remember your words."

"Ick!"

At this point my wife turns to me and I know she's about to lose it. I could tell she was mustering the strength to not break down and cry right then and there.

"Ick!" She yelled again.

"Come on honey, dont yell. Remember your words." The father kept calm, he smiled at her, spoke to her gently.

"Ick!" she said once again as she raised both arms in front of her in my wife's direction.

My wife turned and faced her, bent down close to her and smiled. The little girl mumbled "Ick" then hugged my wife and kissed her on the cheek.

We all stood there for a moment, stunned. The girl turned and began staring at the tabloids again.

The father nodded and thanked my wife with his eyes. We picked up our bags and my wife said "Goodbye, now" to the little girl but the child did not respond. She was back inside her own world.

I dont know much about autism, but I do know that most autistic children dont like to be touched and they dont respond well to strangers. Yet here was this beautiful autistic girl who just wanted to hug and kiss my wife.

The little girl may never remember that moment where she wanted nothing more than the touch of a stranger while standing in line at a supermarket with her dad, but my wife and I will never forget it. We will never forget her.

Life gives you little gems, and all you need to do is to learn to appreciate them.

Good friend and Babalu reader Freedom4Cuba sends the following, and I hope you all will help them help those with Autism:

Hello,

Please join me in my fight to make a difference in the lives of the more than 1 million Americans living with autism today.

I am participating in Walk Now for Autism to help find a cure for autism. Autism is the second most common developmental disorder in the United States affecting one in every 150 children born today. Despite some promising discoveries, the cause of autism is unknown and a cure does not exist. Research is crucial. Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. Not only must we find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism, but we also must find a cure, and soon.

Walk Now for Autism is our chance to make a difference in the fight against autism by raising money for autism research and heightening public awareness. Please join me in my fight as I raise money to help fund essential research. You can donate to Walk Now for Autism and/or join my team online using the links at the bottom of this page. Donations can also be mailed to Autism Speaks using the donation form located on my page or send me a check made out to Autism Speaks.

Thank you for taking an important step in the fight against autism.

Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Autism Speaks 501 (C)(3) Tax Id #: 20-2329938

Matching gift program: Many companies provide their employees with matching gifts. Please consult your employer on its matching gift guidelines and attach matching gift forms accordingly.

Please visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Autism Speaks.

Make your donations right here.

Posted by Val Prieto at January 28, 2009 08:21 AM