I wanted to post my pictures of last Sunday’s very successful Angels Walk for Autism, but sleep got in the way. I was sleep-deprived for the two nights preceding the Walk. I must have gotten just four hours snooze on Friday and I didn’t get to sleep at all Saturday night. I was finishing up on the button pins and the packaging for autism-related items I was going to set up for the bazaar, thus the sudden disruption in my sleep schedule.

Still, the sacrifice was worth it.

On Sunday morning, at six in the morning, Alex and I trooped bright and early to Liwasang Aurora of the Quezon Memorial Circle. Alphonse was still asleep then, snug among pillows and a down comforter.  I vacillated between wanting to wake him up for a Sunday adventure and just letting him sleep in. Alphonse made the decision himself when I tried to wake him up; he opened his eyes for a fraction of a second, shook his head sluggishly, and went right back to sleep.

There were four of us that day: Alex, my sister Jasmine, cousin Ampy, and myself. A stayed home to watch over the sleeping Alphonse.

The sun rose fast Sunday morning, and by half past six, despite the soft cool breeze of January mornings, we were sweltering in the morning sun. We set up shop in a little half-table on the left side of the circle. People started buying soon after. The Autism Pins were a hit!  I also received some inquiries on the laminated PECS cards (aptly named AlphieCards, how cute is that?) that I had market-tested that day.

While Alex and his aunts answered inquiries and wrapped up sales, I registered for the walk and got coupons for free water, food and ice cream. I even received a free t-shirt meant for Alphonse but which I ended up giving to my nephew Enzo. The shirts booth had run out of sizes and all they had were toddler shirts.

There was a short ceremony to formally open the day’s major activity. My favorite Congresswoman, Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, was a special guest. I was delighted to see her sacrifice her Sunday morning to be with us so I ran after her to personally thank her. After the short speeches, we all donned our hats and I ran back to slather a few final drops of sun block. I joined the queue of Alphonse’s teachers but  I only walked part of the way with them as I wanted to take more pictures. By the half-way mark, I was huffing and puffing from overzealous running. I should have taken the time to warm up, I mentally scolded myself. Still, despite the cramps in my legs, the wheezing in my lungs, and the sun burn on my nose, I had a lot of fun.

Sunday, I was filled with a sense of pride not just for what I had accomplished that day, but for the sense of unity and camaraderie shared by all those whose lives have been touched with autism.  It was a truly special day, a day when wingless angels walked the earth.