My Soap Box just got Bigger Did yours? Triumph & Tragedy Feeling Autism on a Weekend Ride in Theme Park Earth

I am not sure where to start. This weekend we witnessed both God & The Devil at work. Triumph & Tragedy were both on the agenda. It seems to me that all highs seem to have equal & horrific lows. Some call it balance of nature. Others call it the perpetual fight between the Devil & God. Either way lets start with the good.
The last three weeks were a whirlwind of activity. Unsolicited the Danville Elks Lodge 332 came to us & offered to throw a benefit and they did after telling me literally to "Shut Up". I protested that there were other families in much more need than us. Although, we were struggling through some of the many issues of losing a job, Autism, & the new problems associated with Puberty & profound Autism. But it was on with the show...
So many came to the plate I would be remiss if I made a list here because of slighting many. Just suffice to say the entire world supported, prayed, gave & delivered on one day in August. Some even called it Tanner's Day. With great reward comes also great responsibility, I will take it very seriously ... we need to do more for all families dealing with Autism.
Before I go to far, I must apologize, we had one of those nights from hades. I was up on the hour on the hour with a visiting Brother in Law, Tanner, The water softener, Tanner, & my mind racing. Also remember I am no fancy journalist, Just a simple dad pouring out words in one take.
Back to the event, People wrote many kind things on the event page here http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=136349613071760&ref=notif&notif_t=event_wall#wall_posts
And blogs from around the world mentioned it this one will be a favorite forever http://elliement.wordpress.com/2010/08/19/fish-fry-and-autism-yep-they-g...
The Age of Autism Daily web newspaper about the Autism Epidemic http://www.ageofautism.com/2010/08/elks-lodge-sponsors-fish-fry-for-tann... My Favorite Christian Radio Station Put it on their Calendar http://wbgl.org/family-friendly-events/family-events-detail.cfm/-Benefit... and the Local Newspaper http://commercial-news.com/local/x865117330/Elks-hold-benefit-for-Catlin... and much more.
All I can say is wow, Praise the Lord, and now I know how old George Bailey felt when people were lined up for hours for fish. All that kept flashing through my head was Jesus feeding the multitude with such a small amount of fish & Bread. Also the line when everybody came to George's aid. The only thing that would have topped the miracle is if Tanner said Look Daddy, when the service bell went off, said Teacher says everytime a bell rings a an angel gets his wings. God Bless you all. Thank you Thank you thank you.
I will include the link so others know the need is true, great & ongoing for our family & All families dealing wit with Autism. Again it takes between 3.5 to 5 million dollars to care for an individual for a lifetime with this disability, http://www.causecast.org/member/tanners-dad/blog_posts/2000-what-does-ta...
On Sunday we collapsed... Of Course Cheri only for a couple of hours & back to work on her shop but Tanner & I rested. I said I would renew my advocacy for families on Monday but Mid afternoon I was hit up side the head with a 2 x 4 when I read an article written by my friend Kim Stagliano. She is an outspoken advocate for those dealing with Autism. I have nominated her for CNN Hero of the year. She has been through it all with three daughters on the spectrum, Losing jobs, getting robbed, and now this. Is it not enough that we face so many fights on so many fronts we still have to fight to keep our loved ones safe. The article speaks for itself. I include it here because families dealing with Autism do not get one day ( or night ) of rest we must always be on guard http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kim-stagliano/post_701_b_685954.html Peace & Prayers for the Stagliano family. We vow not to rest until all loved ones are safe from Restraint Seclusion Bullying & Abuse. TannersDad Tim Welsh

http://www.causecast.org/member/tanners-dad

What can you do today...

If you are a parent... Love your child unconditionally. Do not let your child feel they are any less because they cannot communicate the way we do or look after themselves. Do not forget to look after yourself and your significant other. ( If you don't have one find one...There is someone out there for everyone. You deserved to be loved also). Join a church. Speak to your friends. Keep up the good fight.

If you are Friend... If you have resources please consider supporting Generation Rescue as they move the agenda towards services and support programs. If you do not have financial resources provide respite services... Babysit, go with a parent to the grocery store, or running errands. Be there to listen.

If you are in the medical community it is time to wake up and do something...
If you are in the insurance industry it is time to make the people responsible pay...
if you are in the media it time to tell the truth...
If you are in the government it is time act...
If you are in education it is time to educate...
If you are in a religious community it is time to rally the troops to support families...
If you are involved in a Autism group please invite them to join the Move to Heal Autism By 2030 (MTHA)

If you are in contact with amanda peet and have a child with Autism invite her over to experience our lives first hand and but out of our childrens and the future of others children.

If you are impacted by autism (that means you are part of the human race) Join me in the fight. Join causecast with your own cause or mine. Make a difference in our world. now. State your change! Then make it happen.

If you happen to have some sleeping pills, sleep ideas for children with autism, or want to come spend the night let me know.... I need a nap.

Say a prayer for all those dealing or not dealing with their "Autism Like" conditions.

On Twitter #FeelAutismYet #TruthFirst #Autismabc #APE #Autism #BFH #Tahml #HDTJ #HC09 #PMB @TannersDad #UWAC

If you are in the pharmaceutical industry it is time to pray...

If you or a family member in the Military are impacted by Autism help me promote a meeting between Angela Warner from www.AutismSalutes.com and Michelle Obama http://tinyurl.com/m9r8ws

People it is just time to deal with Autism....

How much longer…

http://www.causecast.org/member/tanners-dad