Life Before and After

Life Before and After
            On Memorial Day weekend, as we honor fallen members of the military, we may remember others who have passed away.
            Some of us will experience something so earth shattering in our lives that from that moment forward, everything is demarcated as “Before [Event X]” and “After [Event X].”
            For some, the turning point may be a dark world changing event like 9/11, or a personal blow like death or illness of a loved one. For others it may be a shining moment like meeting the love of one’s life, or the birth of a child. Even life reference points that stem from dark events may create brightness going forward.
            Facing what seemed like insurmountable obstacles to help our severely autistic son, the appearance—and then disappearance—of a remarkable young teacher was a life changing time for our family.
            The arrival of quiet but brilliant “autism whisperer” David miraculously flipped an on switch for our son Sean, who was trapped under countless layers of neurological and sensory difficulties. David’s instincts worked like magic, bringing astounding progress every week. It felt like a dream too good to be true.
            And then suddenly he was gone, stolen from the earth by an undetected heart condition. My world has never been the same.
            I thought hope died together with our miracle worker, but his good spirit and brilliant insights kept us on the trail from housebound despair to a fuller life out in the world. Thanks to David’s legacy and the help of beloved helpers who followed, I get to share the many hikes Sean can now do with HikingAutism.com readers.
            I feel constant gratitude for the generous heart of helpers, teachers, therapists, friends and family members who support people coping with challenges like those of our son. That uplifting spirit lives on even after a person is gone.
            This week’s Hike Notes are from the archives, Marin Headlands Visitor Center to Rodeo Beach. This week’s Insights photo is Sean and David on a favorite tree tunnel trail above Rodeo Beach.
            The long list of Hikes can be found on the Quick View Hike List and on the main Hikes page. All past Insights posts can also be viewed in the Insights/Hike Update News archives.
            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! Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Please feel free to share.
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 1): Marin Headlands Visitor Center to Rodeo Beach