I’m 38 years old today and I’m choosing to embrace it

For those who don't know, I turned 38 years old today. To be really honest with you, I'm handling it better than I thought I would. I'm creeping closer and closer to 40 years of age and I thought I would be freaking out about that but I haven't been. Truthfully, I'm not sure why I'm not stressing out like so many people do but I suppose age doesn't bother me that much. I really try to not let my age dictate my demeanor. After more than a decade of being an Autism parent, I've learned to not take life so seriously, maintain a sense of humor and always remain a kid at heart. At the end of the day, age is just an indication of life experience and not…

4 Comments

This is one of the hardest things I’ve had to witness and as a father it breaks my heart 

I really struggled with whether or not to share this video with the world. In the end, I decided that there's nothing that would be embarrassing for Gavin because to him, all of this is as real as the nose on your face.  He's not ashamed, nor should he be. In fact, watching this, I'm in awe of just how well he does manage these two separate lives.   My hope is that this will help put into perspective, what Gavin's living with.   The video you are about to see is five minutes in length and has no sound.  It's safe for work and it simply shows what it looks like for Gavin to go on one of his missions.  This is what it's like to watch Gavin battles evil…

8 Comments

School starts tomorrow morning and I’m not sure how it’s going to go

The boys start school tomorrow and not only are we not totally ready but I have no idea what we're going to do for Emmett as far as shoes and socks are concerned.   Just talking about it with him and Dr. Pattie tonight, had him in a panic and teetering on a meltdown.   The boys have clothes for tomorrow but I don't know what Emmett's going to wear on his feet.  At this point, we don't even have a plan.  My hope is that between the excitement of him returning to school and brushing his feet, everything will be alright.  Assuming we get the boys off to school, Lizze and I are going to start our daily walks. I'm really looking forward to that.   It's one of…

0 Comments

Gavin did great in Speech Therapy today

Gavin and I arrived home from Speech Therapy about 40 minutes ago and I just wanted to share that he did a really good job.   It's important to remember that doing a really good job can be relative, especially when dealing with kids on the Autism Spectrum.  People on the outside might not see why he did so well today because they lack the frame of reference, context and perspective that I do when it comes to Gavin.  That being said, he tried really hard and never lost his temper.  He completed his assignment that was due today, totally on his own and did a really good job at that.   His never give up attitude is really inspirational to those around him and for that and many other…

0 Comments

What I realized while watching my oldest during Speech Therapy 

I'm sitting here with Gavin at Speech Therapy, listening to him through the intercom and behind to two way mirror that divide us.   He's so upbeat and happy, which is awesome.   At the same time, I'm realizing just how hard he is to understand anymore. His speech has regressed to a point that some of his speech needs to be interpreted because he just can't articulate well anymore.   It's really sad for me as a parent to experience this but at the same time, I'm so inspired by him because he just never quits and never gives up.   He's never complained about the health issues that have him locked into the course and I find that awe inspiring. How many of us would have the strength…

0 Comments

It was another sleepless night for this Dad

It was a rough night last night.  While the boys slept through most of it, I couldn't sleep until 4am because I was too congested.  Lizze was unable to sleep as well but ended up falling asleep on the couch.  I'm totally dragging today.  Thankfully, there are only a few appointments today and nothing else really going on in between.  I'd kill for a nap right now but I don't see that happening anytime soon.  I really grateful that the kids are doing as well as they are today because I need all the help I can get.... 

0 Comments

Maggie just got into a fight with a massive raccoon

I just let Maggie outside and not two seconds after she hit the porch, something came walking up the steps.  Maggie was gone and all I heard this really loud growling.   Next thing I know, Maggie's going absolutely crazy and she's in a fight with something.   I ran into the house to grab a flashlight and wiffle bat before dashing back out to the yard. The fight was taking place in some brush so I couldn't see what was going on.   I know a wiffle bat won't do shit but it's all I had immediate access to in the moment.  It was so loud that my neighbors came out to make sure Maggie was okay.   A few seconds later, Maggie bursts through the bushes and is…

0 Comments