Walk for Autism/Zach is 9!

Today was a very exciting and busy day. It was Zachary’s 9th birthday and Walk for Autism at the Rose Bowl. Andrew and Zach told us several weeks ago that they wanted to do it in honor of Matthew (of course I cried). Zach decided that this year he wanted to participate in the Walk for Autism for his special day and his birthday wish is that a cure will be found. It was a beautiful day for this event and the turn out was tremendous. It was a very empowering and emotional experience as Mark, Keiko, Andrew, Zach, Matthew and I walked with thousands of people who have been affected with autism in one way or another and to see everyone's commitment to helping our kids and to find a cure. There was this feeling of solidarity, we all were there because we have hope. I remember a time when we only felt despair so we had some poignant moments seeing families and friends walking together. It made made me so grateful for my family who has traveled this journey along with us.

USC Trojan Band lead us to the start of the walk

Andrew and Zach taking turns pushing Matthew

Team MDS (Matthew Dean Sumida)

Keiko, Andrew and Zach.....You guys have been our rock.

Daddy and Mommy adore you little guy!

WOW! $1,097,843 raised in 1 day!

Andrew and Zach were rock stars and between internet contributions and cash/check raised almost $1300 each! Wahoo!!!! They were so excited and worked hard to reach their goal, even going through their neighborhood to raise donations for this cause. I don’t think Autism Speaks could have 2 more committed representatives. Andrew and Zach, we are so proud of you both. You are wonderful boys and we love you very, very much. Thank you for working so hard to make a difference. The photo above was at “The Grand Club”. We saw that there was a nice food layout and massage tables but assumed it was for big donors. After the walk the team captains found Andrew and Zach and told them that it was for those who exceeded $1000 in sponsorship! They went and grabbed some cupcakes and drinks before we left to go back and celebrate Zach’s 9th Birthday at Keiko’s.

Birthday kisses for Zach!

Thank you to everyone who sponsored Andrew and Zach. We greatly appreciate your generosity and support. We send hugs to all of you.

Andrew and Zach, we are so touched by your desire to make a difference, we could not be more blessed to have you in our lives. Great job!

“Never doubt that a small group of dedicated people could change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Weekends.......

It was another one of those BEAUTIFUL southern California weekends. Saturday we took Matthew to the park to play with friends. He had a great time and just reveled in being outside in the sun.

Matthew and his sweet friend Brenna.

I took this picture so I had a photo to memorialize something Matthew said that I want to remember. He wanted to pet this sweet, old dog. The owner said to go ahead and Matthew says “Mom, let’s bin ou dis dog name”, (Mom, let’s find out this dog’s name). The owner said the name was Molly and Matthew says “Hi Maui, Matthew yuvs doggies” (Hi Molly, Matthew loves doggies). Wow! It was just such a beautiful, well spoken sentence that sounded so very appropriate and….. typical. I was thrilled and very proud of my boy.

Later in the afternoon we went to a birthday party at Sensory City. In the past parties have not always been fun occasions as Matthew often gets overwhelmed with all of the sounds and people. He had a few rough moments initially but overall he did better than he ever has and even sang Happy Birthday loudly and tried to blow out the birthday boy’s candle (We did not even sing at his party because he would freak out).

He loves to pretend he is cooking. Maybe the next Emeril!

Today we spent the day with two of Matthew’s favorite people, Grandpa and Grandma Sumida. I love the relationship he has with them. I never lived near any of my grandparents and often we only saw them every few years. We want Matthew to develop memories with his Grandpa and Grandma that he will remember always.

Matthew is tearing up the grandparents house as usual.

I jus loved this picture. I really tells of the love Matthew and Grandpa share.

Grandpas are something special!

Today was the Spring Sing-A-Long for Matthew’s school. It was so cute! I will post the video as soon as I can figure out how to work my camcorder. Anyway, the kids were adorable! Matthew was singing so loud and was really excited. He was in the back row and kept peeping that precious face around the side to make sure we were watching him. We were very proud of our little man. To see him so happy, engaged and having fun is thrilling.

Some photos of the walk over to the courtyard and back in the classroom.

Matthew's best bud Danny.

Another special friend.

Matthew LOVES his wonderful teacher Miss Freeman. We are so grateful for her influence in Matthew's life.

I don’t have a photo for this but had to share a little story. Matthew recently loves Sponge Bob. Anyway, we ask him "where do you live" and he will answer "Naguuuuna Nigew". Last night Mark asked him that question in the tub and Matthew answers back in sing song "in a pineapple under the sea." Probably one of those things where you had to be there but it was really cute!

Spring Break Fun

It is hard to believe that spring break is already here, seems like December was yesterday. Today we went to the Easter Eggstravaganza at the Irvine Railroad Park with friends to go on an Easter egg hunt, ride the train and go for a hayride. All the kids had fun. Matthew went from egg to egg looking for Skittles (it is GFCF) and tossing them aside if it was a different type of candy. Matthew had a great time.

Enjoying some of that yummy candy!

Yesterday we went to Zoomars with our good friends the Rao’s and had a warm but fun afternoon. Matthew was so excited to pet and feed the bunnies and guinea pigs. He really tried to be gentle (as much as he can be!). He had fun feeding the goats too. We tried to get him to ride the horses but he said “Ma-u tared. Oose too big” (Matthew scared, horse too big”). We bribed him with everything we could think of but he wanted no part of it. He still had lots of fun and is asking to go back.

Precious friends.....

I am sure I sound rhetorical by now but I am so grateful to be able to have these experiences with Matthew now. The past 2 years were rough and we did not venture out with him much. We still have some difficult times but these wonderful days make it worth it.
Great job sweetness. Mom and Dad are proud of you.