Dads

Dads
            In the disabilities community, we often hear about “autism moms” and their fierce determination to do everything humanly possible to help their children on the autism spectrum. The more daunting the challenge, the more determined mothers seem to become.
            There are fathers who also fit that description, but in many families, including mine, the dads may take a quieter role: steadfastly driving kids to school and therapy appointments, handling bath/shower time especially as kids outgrow their moms, remembering medications, supplements and special diet restrictions at meal time.
            The daily reality of being a father may feel very different from what dads of special needs kids originally anticipated. In the big picture, though, it is the same job of figuring out how to help children live a healthy, happy life. The goal of helping our family member achieve full independence may feel out of reach, which makes unconditional love all the more important.
            It’s a little early for Father’s Day, but cheers to the dads out there doing their best under unexpected circumstances. May we all find the resilience to evolve with the hands we’re dealt in life. Keep putting one foot forward!
            This week’s Hike Notes, Half Moon Bay State Beach-Francis Beach, takes readers to the main hub of a multi-beach stretch along the Half Moon Bay shoreline.
            Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area page. Check out selected articles and interviews under Media. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links.
            Check the Home page for the broader background story. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photo galleries at the bottom of each hike page! Feel free to share on Facebook at HikingAutism, follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism and Instagram at lisalouis777
New this week:
Hike Notes 182: Half Moon Bay State Beach-Francis Beach