Together Apart Again

Together Apart Again
            Last time I visited Stinson Beach, a place that always makes me feel like I’m on summer vacation, it was November. That was two and a half years ago.
            My older son was about to move to London for his job, and our autistic younger son wanted to hold his brother’s hand.
            Several times during that walk, our younger son gestured like he was going to bite his brother’s arm. Our sense was that he understood that his big brother was leaving, and he was confused and upset.
            Siblings of special needs family members lead especially challenges lives themselves. They navigate childhood with parents spending a large percentage of time helping the child with more immediate and acute needs.
            Leaving one parent home to care for a family member who needs 24/7 supervision is difficult. But our non-special needs kids deserve time and attention, too. I’m taking a short break from the HikingAutism desk to visit our older son, so am posting early this week.
            Caregivers, remember that you deserve and need breaks. You will be able to take care of others better when you have recharged your batteries. Keep putting one foot forward!
            This week’s Hike Notes, Stinson Beach, takes readers to an iconic California beach, as welcome to beach walkers as it is to surfers and boogie boarders.
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New this week:
Hike Notes 147: Stinson Beach