1. When my youngest daughter's son, Owen, was 18 months old, he was diagnosed with Autism. This was in 1994 and autism was something that few people were familiar with. The diagnosis devastated the family, as you might well imagine.
2. In 1998 Owen's parents hosted their first celebrity golf tournament to raise awareness and funds for the organization they had started - Autism Coalition. This year, 2018, they celebrated the 20th year of hosting this tournament in which they have raised over 15 million dollars. During those early years their small organization had grown so big it merged with a couple other smaller groups and Autism Speaks was the end results of that.
3. After the golf tournament last month, a local magazine featured the Murrays as their cover story. There is the cover of the magazine. The story was inside.
Owen playing the the surf in Nantucket when he was a little guy.
5. And, Owen now with his adoring Mom.
I didn't realize that your daughter had three sons. Was Oliver the middle or oldest? What a great way to raise money for a condition that has become more easily diagnosed. I had many students with autism and their abilities were wide ranging. Unfortunately some parents are not as willing to accept the diagnosis which does not help their children in the least.
ReplyDelete...my oldest daughter has worked with autistic children for over twenty years. As Marcia said too many parents are not able to accept the diagnosis and they are the hardest part of working with the children. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they were able to create such a helpful organization. The photos are charming.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing they have provided for others. They look like a very pleasant family and how fun to see Owen from childhood to growing up.
ReplyDeleteMy sweet precious sister and family...those nephews are a treasure! Love Owen so much! What a wonderful post honoring them, Mom, and honoring a great young man who has a lot to contend with!
ReplyDeleteThey say that 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.' Well done, your family. :)
ReplyDeleteYou must be so proud!
ReplyDeleteOh what a loving story of Owen and his family ~ hugs to all ~ xxx
ReplyDeleteHappy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
A very special young man! I can tell by his smile that he is a joy to be around.
ReplyDeleteAs for your question on my blog about the Rocking Chair Restaurant. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but The Rocking Chair is no longer there on Hwy 72W Tuscumbia. There is another restaurant there now called The Coldwater Mill. I don't know if the Rocking Chair Restaurant moved to another location, or if it has gone out of business. Maybe your son can find out more about it. Hoping it has just re-located.
Iit looks like your daughter and family took a difficult situation in life and used it to help many other families. That's a wonderful thing to do. Your grandson looks like a happy young man.
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