Who are we?  We are Dan and Mary Beth Reardon, two 60 year olds starting Chapter 2 of our lives.  We've both worked for over 40 years.  We've raised three amazing woman who have married equally amazing men, and together have given us 7, what else, amazing grandkids. Chapter 1 has been an awesome ride filled with challenges, responsibilities, joys and sorrows, and many ups and downs, but with a believe in a power greater than ourselves, and the love and support of each other and our familes, we have always landed on a our feet. 

 

So what does Chapter 2 look like.  Well as life would have it, we've landed on our feet again.  WALKING! That's right, walking across America. We know this sounds crazy to a lot of people, and they've had no problem telling us. The thing is we're ok with what people think, if while they are thinking we are crazy they are also thinking about the reason we are doing this.  You see we have decided to make this adventure mean something more than two old people breaking away for a few months to have some fun (which by the way we plan on having lots of) we also want to shine a light on Autism, start a conversation so that maybe together we can build a bridge to understanding.  And perhaps through the generosity of people, we can raise some money for programs such as A4A (Atheletes 4 Autism).  Our journey is self funded so any donations go directly to A4A, and not to fund the walk.

 

Now the question we get asked quite frequently is why Autism, is there someone in your life on the spectrum? And the answer is yes, her name is Lilly, she is the daughter of a dear friend.   Lilly is 5 years old, and to be completely honest, we have prayed for Lilly and her family since the day they were given the diagnosis almost 4 years ago, but in truth we are just at the beginning of understanding Lilly and her families journey.  

 

Since making the decision to set out on this adventure, and commit to starting conversations and raising money, we have been overwhelmed by the support. Sure as I said before there are the doubters (which I can be one of at times also), but for every doubter there are 10 believers. Conversations have started. We've had the opportunity to speak with moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, teachers, bus drivers, doctors, and they all have so much to say. These conversations can start anytime, anywhere. These conversation can build the bridge to understanding Autism.  There are experts out there trying to solve this puzzle, and I thank that power greater then ourselves for these men and woman. And then their are the experts who live and breath Autism. Our hope, dream, wish whatever we call it is that these conversations start in your school, at your office, at the grocery store, doctor's office, place of worship, anywhere and everywhere so together we can build that bridge.