The Walk

A few Saturdays ago we held our 11th Annual Walking for PWS event in Northern California.  Oscar was only 18 months old when we held that first walk and I remember how Paul carried him on his shoulders for most of the two mile loop around the Berkeley Marina. (I remember thinking it was good trunk work for Oscar to hold himself upright like that -oh how we start to think like therapists when all we do is take our kids to therapy.)

In the years that followed Oscar was eventually able to walk the entire 1.75 mile loop, and then, later ride his bike.  The Walk became a way to keep track of those hard-fought milestones and we celebrated with our PWS community, as well as our friends and family that joined us, that Oscar was able to do just a little more each year.

This year though marked a different milestone.  Oscar's class is graduating from 5th grade next week and moving on to different middle schools.  So, at the urging of Oscar's teacher and the director of our school, I invited all of Oscar's classmates and their families to join us for The Walk.  I hesitated to extend a group invitation like that because, as I keep saying, these teachers, families and their children, our dear friends now, have been "walking with us" for years already -- including and accommodating Oscar, keeping him safe, urging him to join games, listening patiently through mind-boggling stuttering, inviting him to watch a basketball game or go to the movies.  They admonish me for thanking them.  They just don't see it that way.

Nearly 50 people walked for Oscar this year at our new location - Crissy Field in San Francisco. Over half the class was there with their families, along with two families from Ruby's class, three teachers and the school's director.  We made t-shirts with the 5th grade class picture on the back for all to wear.  It was almost too much -- that sea of people wearing "Walking for Oscar" shirts on that clear blue sky day in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. All those people there, for Oscar, for us! I felt my body tighten, not wanting to sink into the moment lest I melt into a puddle of tears. 

Our group was asked to lead off the walk.  I wish I could post the picture of Oscar with his friends and Ruby with hers pausing under the green and white balloon arch that marks the start of the walk but I didn't ask everyone's permission.  I wish I could post the picture of Oscar heading off down the path sandwiched between two pals.  It would show his proud shoulders (but not the slight bounce in his step as he walked off.)

I wish I could share the picture of Ruby and the two boys from her class as they wandered slightly ahead, chatting amicably, looking older than their 7 years.  When Ruby heard that Oscar was inviting his class to come and support him, she wanted to ask the 1st graders to come and support her too.  I sent an email explaining PWS to her class, realizing as I did so that I hadn't really ever taken a moment to formally educate all of those families about PWS and what that means for Ruby as a sibling.  I've been feeding them tidbits for two years now, not wanting to burden them either I guess.  I was so glad Ruby was open to sharing, and mostly that she asked for support too.

I wish too that I could post pictures of the elaborate face painting, our group with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, the kids playing chase on the banks of the amphitheater, the teachers chatting and remarking on the day.  I'll hold this day always in my bank of memories from these amazing six years.

Here, though, are a few pictures I think I can post: