Saturday, April 9, 2011

My Name Is Philip

The name of our team for 2011 is based on one of my favorite stories about Philip, my five-year old son with Aspergers.

Those with Aspergers live a fact-based life, based on black and white principles. Everything is taken literally. Socially, this makes it can be pretty difficult to find your place when you see each situation as having a right and wrong. Others find it hard to relate when you speak in fact-based terms.

And sometimes, it can be so earnestly sweet, you just have to laugh.

Philip met with his Speech Pathologist at school. She said, "What would you do if someone called you a bad name?" Philip looked at her like she was crazy. "No one would call me a bad name. My name is Philip." She smiled, and said, "I mean, what if someone said, 'You're DUMB!'" Again, he looked at her like she was crazy. "Well, I'm clearly not dumb. And my name is Philip. So no one would say that." She had to giggle. He had a point.

This sums up Aspergers in our life. His name is Philip, and he is ALWAYS himself. He does not budge, he doesn't yield to anyone else, and he loves himself just the way he is. We do, too.

Yes, there are obstacles we are facing. Yes, there are traits that make it very difficult at times. But we are working through it. Philip is brilliant and faces each challenge like a champion.

If you wish to make a difference in Philip's life, and the lives of so many with Autism in theirs, please consider walking or donating means to the 2011 Piece Walk & 5K. You can register online at www.piecewalk.org. Our personal team name is My Name Is Philip. However, we support ALL TEAMS. All proceeds to go the same place, the Oklahoma Family Center for Autism, and stay IN STATE.

The Walk is Saturday, May 7th at the Bricktown Ballpark, Opening Ceremonies at 8:00 a.m. The Piece Walk at 8:30. The 5K at 9:00. There will be bounce houses, play doh tables, food and a Resource Fair.

Join us for a beautiful morning stroll. You will be overwhelmed by how many surround you.

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