Read more about the article Yes, I’m still alive
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Yes, I’m still alive

It's been a little while and I wanted to jump on and say hey. Yes, I'm still alive. Everything is going great actually, I've just been busy. The kids are doing great and we all had a fantastic Halloween. They spent it with their mom. I dressed up and handed out candy. It's been twenty years since I've worn a costume and it was so much fun. I told you, I'm living my best life. ☺ So yes, we're all doing well. I got my 3rd COVID shot on Sunday morning and the last 36 hours have been tough but I'm feeling much better today and I even went for an afternoon walk. I'm definitely tired but that lasted a little while the last time. It's totally manageable and I…

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November 4, 2021
Read more about the article 2 decades of special needs parenting and I’m still learning
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2 decades of special needs parenting and I’m still learning

My kids are absolutely amazing. I love them completely and without condition. They've all come such a long way and I couldn't be prouder of them. That doesn't mean we are without our challenges. As the only neurotypical person in my house, I can sometimes feel like an outsider. The irony there is that many autistic people, including my kids, can feel like outsiders everywhere else. That hasn't escaped me and it provides me some insight into what my kids might go through outside of our home. I sometimes have a difficult time understanding what's going on with my kids. I might feel like something is wrong because I misinterpret their nonverbal queues. I can read other neurotypical people like a book but slap in a bit of neurodiversity and…

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October 26, 2021
Read more about the article Did you know that Dads need help to?
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Did you know that Dads need help to?

I recorded a new podcast episode today and I'm really kinda excited about it. My friend Dennis Procopio was back and we had a really good conversation. Dennis is a male life couch and he helps men better navigate life. He's very good at what he does and he's been helping me as well. What you may not know is that Dennis is also a special needs Dad as well. Today we talked about a situation in which something happened to his son at school and he was injured. Many of us can relate to these scary, highly emotional situations. I've had my share of papa bear moments where I'm just emotionally reacting to a situation that requires me to be cool, calm, and collected. Dennis talks about how he…

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October 19, 2021
Read more about the article A shitload of updates
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A shitload of updates

The boys are going to their mothers this weekend and that leaves me with a couple days to myself. Most of these days are going to be filled with rain but that doesn't mean I can't make good use of the time I'll have to myself. There are some things I want to get done this weekend. I'm working on the house and getting things better organized. Almost every room is going to be getting repainted and so there are obvious signs that we're working towards that. As I have time, I'm caulking and making drywall repairs. There are lots of projects underway but in various stages of progression. It's a bit stressful for me to see things like this but it's a means to an end. I'll maybe get…

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October 18, 2021
Read more about the article Emerging from darker times
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Emerging from darker times

I wanted to pop in and let you know I'm still breathing. It's been a minute but it's not because something is wrong. Quite the opposite actually. The boys are doing great and Gavin is continuing down the path to independence. I'm so proud of everyone because we've emerged from such a dark time in our lives, and we're living our best lives. As for me, I'm doing great as well. I've come such a long way and while I'm tired, I absolutely love my life. I have some amazing opportunities with work, and I'm even planning a trip for next year. I've reinvested in balancing my public and private life, which is why I don't share everything that's going on. I'm in a very healthy, rewarding relationship, and I…

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October 12, 2021
Read more about the article Why I still wear a mask, even though I’m fully #vaccinated
ENHAN
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Why I still wear a mask, even though I’m fully #vaccinated

I wanted to take a second and put this out there because I truly believe that it's really important. Everyone in my immediate family (myself and the boys) are fully vaccinated for COVID. We're in pretty good shape in my house and I'm so incredibly grateful for that. That being said, not everyone is so lucky. Anyone under the age of twelve, cannot currently receive the COVID vaccine. It's coming soon but all these kids are still at risk until then. I even wear a mask at the gym, which is not fun at all, especially with a filtered mask. I made the decision to do that and I will continue to do so because there are people in my life who cannot yet receive the vaccine. The best way…

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October 7, 2021
Read more about the article Moving forward
ENHAN
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Moving forward

It's been a pretty good day. We got off to a rough start with the boys and school but everything worked out. I was finally able to get a tree service out to gut the back of my property. I've been trying for months to get someone out and it's nearly impossible right now because of labor shortages. They came out first thing in the morning and did a great job. I'd like to have them come back and deal with a few other things but it will probably have to wait until the spring. I asked them today and they said they appointments are being scheduled almost four months in advance. It's kinda crazy but COVID has impacted so many things. At the end of the day, I got…

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October 6, 2021
Read more about the article Does your definition of success set your child up for failure?
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Does your definition of success set your child up for failure?

It's pretty crazy how much has changed over the last few years. I was recently reminded of something and I wanted to share this with you all. Gavin has become so much more independent and is working on moving out. I'm trying to help him practice being on his own as often as possible. I work remotely so I can relocate easily and be just as efficient. I've been working away from the house on some mornings because it gives Gavin a chance to operate on his own. I'm usually within 5 minutes from the house, just in case. He's doing so well and with some help, he will do pretty well when he moves out. There are some things I need to work with him on but I'm completely…

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October 4, 2021