Our Guardian Angels

Our Guardian Angels
            I have written over the years about a gifted young special education teacher who appeared in our family’s lives during our greatest struggle to help our profoundly autistic son Sean. The time our “autism whisperer” spent with us felt like a gift from beyond. Sean made miraculous progress with his help.
            As our despair for Sean’s future was turning to hope, our young teacher friend died suddenly from an undetected heart condition. We were devastated.
            Yet we still feel the positive presence of our helper every day.
            He repeated a simple yet powerful message each outing with Sean.
            “You can do it, try again,” he would say, calmly but firmly. His tone imparted a sense of confidence. Sean, who until then was overwhelmed by everything imaginable, started opening his heart to the world.
            I took his message to heart as well, hearing his voice in my head when I hit bumps in life. This week I’m celebrating finally (after hitting many brick walls) sealing a deal for a book about autism and nature by sharing a larger photo gallery than usual. If you have a heartfelt goal, keep trying, as our helper always said.
            This week’s Hike Notes, Pedro Point Bluff Trail, introduces hikers to a stunning bluff with unique geological formations off the coast in Pacifica, California.
            Before our helper passed away, he, Sean and I had a mysterious interaction with ravens at Ocean Beach in San Francisco. We laughed about it every time we saw a raven after that. Now whenever I see a raven, I feel our helper’s essence watching over us. On a recent hike to Pedro Point, I was reminded of his good spirit again by a large raven who was undaunted by our presence.
            Is there something in nature or your surroundings that makes you feel like a lost loved one is watching over you? Treasure those guardian angel moments. Keep putting one foot forward!
            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, Twitter at @HikingAutism, Instagram at lisalouis777, and Bluesky @hikingautism.bsky.social
 
New this week:
Hike Notes 226: Pedro Point Bluff Trail