Water 1st Event at Seward Park

It was a beautiful summer day at Seward Park for Morgan Jr and I to make good on his reward for 5 days in a row of following his morning schedule to go to school. Who knew that Water 1st was holding an event to raise money and awareness for developing countries which don't have easy access to clean drinking water. You can read more about today's event, which raised more than $35,000, at http://www.water1st.org/events/CARRY5.html.

Apparently the event required participants to carry 5 gallons of water for 5 miles along Lake Washington Blvd, representing the distance that most families from poorer countries have to travel to get water. As you can see by this video, my son was not concerned in the least.



As others filled their milk jugs, gas cans and buckets in preparation for the trek, Morgan luxuriated in the coolness of Lake Washington. I don't know if other moms feel like me or if the accumulated effect of too little sleep colored my response to today's events, but it does seem that no matter what is going on, autism is not too far behind.

My first reaction was - why are they raising money for people half way around the world when their are millions that need help right here. I quickly reminded myself that diversity also means that we all get to choose the issues that move us off the couch to march, give and support.

I watched my son lounging on his inflatable whale, oblivious to all the commotion, and felt a twang of sadness mixed with jealousy. How I wished that I could take part in an effort that I could leave with the organizers when I was done. If only my son could walk beside me in an effort to eradicate poverty, or in support of gay rights or, like today, to provide clean water.

I have walked in the Walk for the Cure sponsored by Autism Speaks & Defeat Autism Now for 2 years and the end of each, I took the cause home with me. Autism awareness month is in April, but for me and thousands upon thousands more, it's every day.

I still have high hopes for my son that one day he will have the awareness to care about people far away or who are very different from ourselves. We will then walk and carry signs, join like minded families and friends, donate money and encourage others to do the same. Then when the event has concluded, we will pack away our signs and T shirts, go home and probably not give that cause another thought until the next year. Blissful ignorance but still satisfied that we have contributed and made a difference.