His Own Two Feet

His Own Two Feet
            For many years, my younger son’s overwhelmed sensory system kept him trapped away from the world. He was frozen in place. Learning to navigate a world that his system isn’t wired for has been an ongoing journey for him, and for us, his family members.
            We worked with helpers over the years to help us get Sean out in nature. We’ve watched Sean transform from a boy buried under blankets not wanting to leave the house to a young man at ease on a hiking trail.
            When we first started hiking, Sean clung to us, head buried on our shoulders. It took half an hour to get him out of the car, and another to start walking. Then it would be start, stop, hug, stop, start, hug. When he did walk, he was hunched forward, hat and hands covering his face.
            Sean continues adjusting to the world, and walking in nature is now one of his favorite activities.
            I watch him walk independently at a distance, standing up tall, though his face often still faces down at the trail. His path has been challenging, but we look back and see how remarkably far he has come.
            Has your life journey taken you through difficult challenges that moved you forward? Remember to look back and give credit for how far you’ve come. Keep putting one foot forward!
            This week’s Hike Notes, Alta Trail-Bobcat to Rodeo Valley Trail, takes readers on a scenic trail above the Gerbode Valley in the Marin Headlands.
            Check the Home page for the broader background story. Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area page, and scroll to the bottom of each hike page to see full photo galleries.
            If you’d like to support HikingAutism, check out the Support/Shop 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. Feel free to share and follow on Facebook at HikingAutism, follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism and Instagram at lisalouis777
New this week:
Hike Notes 207: Alta Trail-Bobcat to Rodeo Valley Trail