The Trail
Walk with me, son. This trail is so beautiful. There is so much I want to show you; so much I want to teach you. I can’t wait to get started. You’re tiny. I’ll carry you. It will be O.K.
Look at all the trees. The leaves blow and dance in the wind. The one’s that look like tiny hands are Maples. You’re getting big now, I’ll put you down. It’s time to walk. Don’t worry, I’ll hold your hand.
Stay on the path, son. Don’t touch those shiny leaves that grow on the vines. That’s poison ivy. Stay close to me. There is danger out there. Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.
Stay focused, son. You’re not paying attention. There are so many lessons I want to teach you. You’re getting distracted. Sometimes I wonder if you’re even listening to me. It’s getting cloudy, but I know the way. It will be O.K.
Keep up with me, son. You’re falling behind. We don’t have a lot of time on this trail and I’m scared I’ll miss out on so many lessons. This is important, son. Please, put down the leaf. Silly things like that shouldn’t make you giggle anymore. There are more interesting things in this world. Why are you not listening?
What is wrong with us? Am I not a good teacher? It’s not supposed to be this way. It’s getting cold and dark. I’m scared. But, I love you, son. I’ll always protect you. Stay close to me, please. It will be O.K.
Let’s sit for a minute, son. Daddy needs to collect his thoughts. This trail is different than I thought it would be. Can I see that leaf? Why does is captivate you? Can you show me?
My God, it truly is beautiful. I must have stepped on thousands of these in my lifetime. I never noticed the colors and patterns. Well, we have to keep moving, son. I’ll let you set the pace.
Go ahead, son. Go explore off the path. Daddy will be right here if you need help. Bring me back something beautiful. My silly lessons can wait.
Teach me, son. There is so much I want you to show me; so much I have to learn from you. I can’t wait to get started. Let’s just see where this trail goes. God will carry us. It will be O.K.
No words to describe how perfect this is. You capture life as so many of us experience it. I would like to frame this if i may. Thank you for being there for your son and family and for all of us.
Thank you, Jennifer.
This captures it all so perfectly! Would you mind if I hung it in my office, or shared on our blog?
I work at Caravel Autism Health.
Beautiful piece. I walked down a trail just recently as an escape to clear my mind, which always goes down the path of our 11 year old son’s future. What’s going to happen? What more do we need to be doing? As I was walked, I noticed a grown man playing with a single leaf. It struck me as odd, but I moved along. When I made my way past the lake again, I noticed him once more still interested in the leaves. And I realized quickly he was a young adult with autism, like our son. He was happy, joyful and just enjoying his time. It made me smile. It also eased my heart and anxieties about the future that I had carried around in my brain for 4 miles on that walk. When I read this, it immediately took me back to that day. I reflected on all the stages we’ve gone through so far with our own son. May God continue to carry us. Thanks to you and your family for sharing your story.