Starting by looking back...

Well, after a lot of consideration, I've decided to enter the blogging world. Here you'll find our thoughts and such as they pertain to the world of Autism and our journey with Elijah, as well as his youngest brother Ryder. I think you'll find the posts informative, and most of all entertaining. To start things out, I wanted to share one of the first things I wrote about Elijah's diagnosis, in March of 2011, just under a year into our journey, reflecting on the upcoming Autism Speaks walk. Looking back just less than two years later, it's awesome how true these words ring true still today. More than ever, we just have to keep calm and believe, one step at a time... (-JR)

Why I Walk, by Jeremy Riesenberg, March 2011

I walk for my son, Elijah, who was diagnosed with Autism in 2010 at the age of 2.

I walk for the sleepless nights in the early days of diagnosis, wondering what the future would hold.

I walk for the relentless commitment to the cause by my wife, who spent hours upon hours researching, reading, reaching out, working for a better future.

I walk for my son, Ryder, who does not have autism…, he who loves his brother with the purest of hearts.

I walk for my boys, who sometimes play together, sharing a laugh or a smile.

I walk for more laughs and smiles, shared by us all in the future.

I walk for my son, Elijah, who will enjoy a future that will see him rise to the best of his abilities, thanks to the dedication of so many.

I walk for the peace of mind, knowing that this was my calling in life…that I am here on the Earth for a greater good. I walk for the service providers who have blessed my son with their passion and commitment to his cause, and the reaction they share with us at every breakthrough.

I walk for the breakthroughs…no matter how small or unexpected, no matter how long and difficult the path forged.

I walk because I can. Because I have a voice, and I refuse to accept a life lived any other way.

I walk because of everyone that my precious blue-eyed blonde has come to represent. The family, the friends, the support group…sharing the breakthroughs and the battles just the same.

I walk for the future. I walk because sometimes, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, come together for a common cause to change the future, and in doing so, change the world.