Emotional insight into the lives of a special needs family

As promised, here's the video blog from last night.  It may be a bit redundant because of the post I did earlier today but I really think it's important to watch this because it really gives you insight into the life of a special needs family.  The video is longer, so please bare with it.  Think of it as an episode of your favorite show, only this is about something very serious and can help spread awareness.  I've never really shown this type of emotion publicly and I'm not sure how people are going to take this.  However, I basically give you a huge window into our life.  Some will appreciate this for what it is and others will dismiss it.  All I can say is that I hope it…

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A father’s breaking heart

I had this great plan to have this video blog up and ready for you all this morning and due to technical issues, that's been delayed by a few hours.  I think that it's still important to watch because I explain in a very emotional way, everything that's happened over the past two days.  Having said that, I'll attach it to this post when it eventually becomes ready. The past two days haven't even begun to process within us yet.  As most of you know, Gavin arrived at Akron  Children's Hospital around 9am on Monday for his monthly IVIG infusion. By 9:30 am, he had entered another autonomic crisis and collapsed.  He was unresponsive but Lizze was eventually able to get him up and moving.  At this point, Gavin was…

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From my perspective

I thought I would share a few pictures from our trip to the Cleveland Clinic.  Again, I'll have a new video blog up in the morning.  It's worth the wait and worth the watch. This site is managed via WordPress for Android, courtesy of the @SamsungMobileUS Galaxy Note 2 by @Tmobile. Please forgive any typos as autocorrect HATES me. ;-) Check out my #Autism Awareness Store to find really cool and unique #Autism Awareness Clothing and Accessories, designed by me. ;-) For more ways to help the Lost and Tired family, please visit Help the Lost and Tired Family.

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The end of an emotional day

I know a lot of you are probably wondering how today's trip to the Cleveland Clinic went.  Rather than try to put into words everything that has happened over the past 2 days, I did a video blog that will either post tonight or tomorrow. It's about 25 minutes long but I needed to vent. A the moment, Gavin's doing well but we learned some things today that we didn't know.  To be honest, we didn't realize how truly fragile Gavin is. I explained it all in the video. Right now I'm emotionally and physically drained.  I have nothing left tonight.  I just wanted to let you all know that we appreciate all your support.  :-) This site is managed via WordPress for Android, courtesy of the @SamsungMobileUS Galaxy Note…

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Despite horrible traffic, we’ve arrived at the @ClevelandClinic

After a drive that felt like it would never end and several missed elevators, we've finally made it to the Cleveland Clinic for Gavin’s appointment in the autonomic clinic. Wish us luck. This site is managed via WordPress for Android, courtesy of the @SamsungMobileUS Galaxy Note 2 by @Tmobile. Please forgive any typos as autocorrect HATES me. ;-) Check out my #Autism Awareness Store to find really cool and unique #Autism Awareness Clothing and Accessories, designed by me. ;-) For more ways to help the Lost and Tired family, please visit Help the Lost and Tired Family.

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Confessions of an #Autism Dad: I wouldn’t wish this pain on anyone

Today hasn't gone as planned.  Elliott's home because of a nasty cough that we need to watch and stay on top of. He also seems to be dealing with another sinus infection as well.  We are going to have to get him into the doctors because it moves to his chest. Gavin's been home since last night and has done pretty well so far.  A huge part of Operation Hope was that Gavin be removed from the home because of his extreme behavior and mental health issues.  He was breaking the family apart and traumatizing his little brothers.  He's not a bad person at all.  He's simply wired in a way that makes it difficult for him to coexist when there is any type of emotional expectations.  That's a huge,…

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John C. McGinley Talks R-word

I love this message. Please help spread this video around and get it as much attention as possible. This is a great cause that every human being should support. :-) https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=04Ser5wmPSA#!

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What’s it like to be a special needs parent?

If there was one thing I wish I could make the world understand about special needs parenting, it would be the amount of stress that comes along with it.  Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of amazing things as well. However, the thing that most people just can't seem to wrap their heads around the extreme levels of stress that special needs parents have to function under. I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that special needs parenting is far and away the most difficult thing I have ever faced.  I used to be a firefighter/paramedic and the stress I faced in that job pales in comparison to what I feel each day of my life as a special needs parent. Please don't mistake this as a…

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