Note: Names have been changed to protect the innocent.
A Very Special Day
Once every year, my family and friends celebrate a special holiday. We all get together to celebrate, and it almost feels like there is a magic in the air, an aura of brotherhood that encourages peace on earth and goodwill toward men.
I am talking, of course, about the annual Autism Society of Central Virginia 5K. …What did you think I was talking about? Christmas? It’s not even December!
…Anyway, I wanted to talk about my experience with this year’s race.
I woke up early that morning and went about my daily routine. Uncle Tim and Aunt Dana were already staying at my house so that they could participate in the race, and we had a sort of… breakfast arrangement on the counter. I don’t remember the details of what was there, but I knew that there were some Pirouette cookies in the arrangement, because I ate them.
Soon it was time to head to the starting square. I hopped out of the car and rushed to the site – and had to wait on everybody else. Many members of my extended family came, including Sam, the athletic child of my aunt Jan; Jason, the less-athletic but better-at-games son of aunt Shelly; and Brosef, aspiring lawyer and older brother of Jason. My friend, Chad Chaddington, and his mother also showed up to race with us.
When the race started, Sam told me he was going to race alongside me. Although he could easily leave me choking in his dust, he decided to keep pace with me because he didn’t get to see me very often. As we ran we talked about various subjects, such as the teaching of evolution in schools (Did you know whales evolved from wolves? It’s Troo! (maybe)).
After 35 minutes of running we finished the race. I returned to our starting point, feeling quite satisfied. Then I went to get a snow cone to replenish lost calories. I also saw my dad back at the starting point, and since I had never seen him pass me, I was naturally confused. He informed me that he was already back because he had never left. I was both relieved that I hadn’t been beaten to the finish by my father and rather disappointed in his decision not to run.
When everyone had finished the race, we packed up and headed back to my house to participate in the next, and most important, event: the after-race barbecue. As my family and friends came, I called Sam, Jason and Chad upstairs and I utterly defeated all of them at Super Smash Bros. we enjoyed a friendly game of Super Smash Bros.
That was how this year’s race went. I’m looking forward to next year’s race and particularly to seeing my friends again. I’d also like a camera to record the race; maybe I’ll get one for Christmas. See ya!
Written By Cole – Cole is 15 years old. He will be starting Deep Run IT specialty center next year. He dearly loves pet sitting, and is a total pet whisperer!He has Asperger’s Syndrome and is a monthly contributor on site.