Sky Valley Messenger

Last evening Noah decided that he was done with his long hair of the past two and a half years. He declared that he wanted to go back to his “original boys hair cut”, and there was no doubt in his mind. That’s rare for Noah. Being autistic, he normally has a difficult time being sure of decisions regarding small things, let alone something as big as his hair. Noah never liked getting haircuts, and growing his hair long was a big deal to him. If you even mentioned cutting his hair he would flat out say, “no way”. He guarded his hair better than Sampson did.

I don’t know, but I think Noah really never wanted long hair. When he first decided that he wanted to grow his hair long he stated that it was because he believed that it would make him “cool”, and he thought that it would help him make friends. Two and a half years later, I think he came to realize that it didn’t help, kids didn’t become his friend because he had long hair, and so he chose to go back to what he liked.

He loves it!!! I couldn’t be prouder of him, not because he now has short hair, but because he decided, for all the right reasons that that’s what he wanted, and he was certain as gravity of that fact.

I believe that this is one of Noah’s defining moments. He has made a change in direction and it gives him more confidence, independence, and self assurance. When I look at Noah today I don’t just see a boy who looks different, I see a young man who is different and it gives me joy, and confidence in him.

Way to go Noah!!!

Written June 17th, 2025

So, Noah is 13 years old, as you already know, and that seems to change everything. Noah sits in the front seat now, he’s had his mom cut his hair short, with the declaration that he will never grow his hair long again, he is eating chicken, he has started an online class called “Unity”, where he is learning computer coding and game designing, and now he is getting rid of his bunk bed for a bed with a game computer desk attached at the end. These are all sudden changes as a result of turning a teenager. Noah feels that he needs to step up to a more mature level and leave the childish things behind.  This is all on his own, and comes as a big surprise to us, his parents. Yes, he is still a child and continues to struggle with many things still attached to his immaturity, but still, wow! We’re amazed at the steps he is taking.

Seen anyone walking down the street, bent over seemingly talking to no one, or an imaginary someone, or something? Maybe they are drunk, or on drugs, or maybe a mental illness that they have no control over. “It is estimated that up to 20% of the homeless population may have schizophrenia.” Symptoms may include hallucinations, and delusions, often causing a disconnection from reality.

A large percentage of the homeless are also afflicted with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, such as intense highs and intense lows. Whatever the cause, homeless people can be both scary and sad as their behavior can range from harmless to extreme violent. In either case, these people need help, and should never, ever be left alone, without food, shelter, and no one to care for them. There is no excuse for the richest country in the world to have no compassion, or leftover love for the helpless homeless. Our hearts should cry out for these people. I see daily commercials asking for help for homeless, neglected cats and dogs, but nothing for the homeless, and neglected people in our neighborhoods and streets. What is wrong with our society?

Mr. President, fix this problem NOW.