Reid | A Beautiful Mind

“Not everything that steps out of line, and thus abnormal, must necessarily be ‘inferior’.” –Hans Asperger

 

Terra and her family were the winners of my Autism Awareness giveaway. Her words were so moving and so beautiful as she wrote openly about her family, about her son Reid, and their experiences with Asperger’s Syndrome:

 

“My son is 12 & has Asperger’s…Our story, HIS story is probably like so many others. I knew my son was different. Because at the age of 1 he knew the alphabet, front to back & could count to 100. But he was always sick, couldn’t walk, cried all the time & was just “off”. By the age of 3 he knew the states, capitols & how to play chess. But he wouldn’t talk to anyone his age, couldn’t ride a bike or swim or eat normal foods. After several years of Dr. after Dr. & wrong diagnosis I took him to a Neuro at Texas Childrens & within 30 minutes, Reid was diagnosed with Autism/ Asperger. We hit the ground running!! He was 7 yrs old. Reid endured weeks & months of therapy to learn to write, walk straight, tie his shoes, be able to wear socks & pants without being in pain. Of course there is no cure but today he can wear socks, talk to people & is in mainstream classes at school. Amen!! He actually learned to ride a bike last year & can I just tell you my husband, myself & most of our neighbors were outside crying & watching this giant kid ride a tiny bike cheering like it was the Olympics!! People probably thought we were crazy. Reid has taught me more than I could ever teach him. He is my hero & truly one of my favorite people.”

 

I couldn’t wait to work with them, and after a hand full of very necessary hot-Houston-summer reschedules, we finally shot their family session a few weeks ago. To say that this family is amazing is such an understatement. They each have the most unique and beautiful personalities that not only work so wonderfully together, they bring out the very best in each other. And I got that in less than an hour of shooting 🙂

 

Folks, meet Reid. The strong, kind, open-minded young guy that so graciously allowed me to take his picture.
He is fun-loving and has this great laugh.He is patient and observant, compassionate, forgiving, and faithful. And he loves, loves to wrestle and play fight with Greg.In a few years, Greg may have his work seriously cut out for him!And this, well this is Terra, Reid’s mom and greatest champion. I adore this one…Their relationship is a beautiful testament of the strongest kind of love.These little guys are Reid’s brothers — Reagan and Rowan.Together, Greg and Terra, Reid, Reagan, and Rowan make up this exceptional family. {I love this photo — especially Reagan; quite the little comedian he was 🙂 Just full of funny faces!} Instant fave 🙂

 

Asperger’s, Autism — they are a description, not a definition. And after meeting with Reid, it seems that there are no truer words. Many, many thanks to the entire Howard family, for sharing your story and allowing me to photograph it. Reid, you are a shining star, an inspiring, compassionate young man who I am certain will do nothing but amazing things.

 

🙂