I have walked by the river a number of times this past week, accompanied by my thoughts, my camera, and my enthusiastic side-kick, Finnegan the Labradoodle. I have contemplated long and with mixed feelings some summative thoughts to end 2011. Really though, I think this photo captures much of what I think is so important.
I also want to express a heartfelt thank you to those who are reading and following 30 Days of Autism. Some of you are parents, colleagues, friends, relatives and loved ones, and some of you are wonderful people I know through on-line connections. I appreciate your support for me, my family, and my unending passion and commitment to promote social understanding to support those who experience and interact with the world differently.
I believe in peace and kindness…
personal responsibility…
hope…
and the power of metaphor!
I believe together we can make a difference…
2012, here we come!!
… As I reflect, it bears consideration that in many ways my journey is similar to that of my son as he works to navigate his way through the social world. It is hard to judge where someone will be next year or in five years based solely upon where/who they might be at this moment… but the support and interactions of/with others help to shape who that person will come to be. A one-step-at-a-time stance creates great opportunities for learning about one’s self and others as well. I guess my son and I are both works in progress – and I think that is the perfect place to be in this moment…
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30 Days of Autism is a project designed to fight stigma, promote civil rights, and increase understanding and acceptance for those who process and experience the world differently.
© Leah Kelley, Thirty Days of Autism, (2012)
Thirty Days of Autism 
Love it, as always. I firmly believe that with loving, compassionate, and firm guidance our kids will succeed in being happy in whatever they choose and wherever their journey takes them.
Happy New Year to a wonderful mom, teacher and friend!
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Thank you so much for your unending support! I share your hopes about the future for our children, and I believe that the work we are doing will help to create the world that we would like to see for them. A critical part of that future requires that we pay attention and listen to the experiences of adults with autism today. I am so fortunate to be on this journey with such wonderful people and to have such spectacular friends!
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beautiful photo and writing! hmm … the power of metaphor … sounds familiar. 🙂
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Umm…. yup! I am addicted to metaphor, and perhaps irony as well! Thank you for your amazing support Vicki!
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I really enjoy this blog, Leah. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you Sylvie, I appreciate that so much!
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beautifully written. Thanks so much for this website! Stopping by from the MBS Alexa Blog hop. Just left you a review 🙂
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We have had so many small moments throughout the winter storm of 2012! Makes me wish I could be home with my kids every day. We gain so much from each other; we frustrate each other sometimes, too, but the gains are much more significant and memorable.
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