It was a very good weekend for me.  My wife, son, and I went to a Walk Now for Autism event near where I live, and it really opened my eyes to many things.  It wasn't just that.  It was quality time, away from home and job, but with family.  A man can't really ask for much better.We got there a day early, so we could do other things.  We went to the zoo, and my son (when he was awake) loved it!!!  His favorite part was the petting zoo.  Usually, he just liked to run around, but I got a few cups of feed for the animals, and when my son saw me feeding the goats, he became interested.  I put a few pieces in his hand, but when the goat came close, my son dropped the food.  He then took one piece and let the goat eat the single piece out of his hand.  It was the first time I'd ever seen him do this with an animal (other than our dog).  It took forever for him to get through the food, one piece at a time, bit I didn't mind at all.  Seeing my son interact with the goats and having such a good time doing it was well worth it.  He was just so happy!  The day ended with us having dinner at a local restaurant.  Oh, if you ever want a small child to go to bed at a normal time, don't give him chocolate milk and cheesecake at a late dinner!   There were literally thousands of people at this event joining together for one common cause: to raise funds so we can someday help put an end to this disorder.  An underlying cause I got from this event was that we are not alone in this.  There are people out there who are going through something similar, and we can all help each other through this.  Strength comes in numbers.  I am not alone in this.  I truly believe this, and I am thankful for everybody who have already helped me to this point.  I hope it continues!   On to the walk.  The next morning, we attended the Walk Now for Autism event.  It was a two-mile walk-a-thon around a lake.  It was a wonderful day; the weather couldn't have been better.  I guess that me going to this event with my family completed my acceptance of what my son has and is going through.  Up until this point, I was still kind of wishing it wasn't true but acting as if it was.  Seeing all the other parents with their autistic children made me realize that it can be done.  You can guide an autistic child through their ups and downs, their joys and sorrows, and you can still be that supportive parent that every child dreams of.  Our children are something to be proud of and love, no matter what.  By seeing the older children and young adults with autism also made me realize that this is no short-term thing.  For awhile, I naively thought that this would only last the next couple years.  Forever means that we will have to be there for them the rest of our lives, but you know what?  That's okay because he's my son, I love him, and I will be every part of the support structure that my son will need.  I am in this for the long haul, and I love my son too much to give him any less.  My hope is that my son will never doubt this.  I want him to see, know, and believe that I will always be there for him.