Summer Brothers

Summer Brothers
            My two sons walk behind when I need a clear shot of a trail, but often they amble ahead while I stop sporadically to take photos.
            I cannot count how many images I’ve taken of my older son taking my autistic son by the hand for our walks. Maybe it’s the other way around. Younger son Sean reaches for his brother, rejecting mom or dad’s hand if his brother is available.
            Recent hot weather made even our chilly ocean neighborhood feel like real summer. I watched as they walked ahead on the beach, heart fully aware that they have just the summer to walk together. In the fall, big brother is moving to London for his job, staying for who knows how long.
            People ask if we’ve explained that to nonverbal Sean yet. We say, “Not really,” because there is no clear way to explain such an impending absence to a severely autistic boy who is used to having his brother nearby.
            There will be screen time interaction, and there will be visits, but regular walks on a trail together will be until summer ends.
            Sean will have only mom or dad’s hand from fall, and that will have to be enough.
            This week’s Hike Notes, Sand Ladder to Baker Beach, leads readers down the long, sandy stairway in San Francisco’s Presidio to popular Baker Beach, with dramatic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands.
            Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area (was Quick View Hike List) page. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact.
            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! Please feel free to share, and follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism
New this week:
Hike Notes 135: Sand Ladder to Baker Beach