It was just a simple cargo net, made of chain, bridging perhaps five feet from the ground to a platform on the playground equipment of one of our local parks. I hated that cargo net. I hated it because Ryan could not, would not (and I know now, was not ready to) climb it. The […]
Read more "Conquering the Cargo Net"I found myself at my local Dunkin’ Donuts Sunday. Don’t judge. I was only getting iced coffee, I swear. OK, so I thought about getting a doughnut and eating it in the shop to hide the evidence from Veronica. But I didn’t. Besides, that’s not the point. When I walked in the store, there was […]
Read more "People Who Matter: The Dunkin’ Donuts Guy"No matter the age, from peewee to the NHL, many hockey practices end the same way — with a shootout contest. The players take turns skating in alone against the goalie. If you score, you remain alive and get back in line. If you miss, you head to the dressing room. I’ve watched Ryan take […]
Read more "When ‘Filthy’ Is a Good Thing"Normally an email like the one I received yesterday from Veronica that says “I got a call from [Ryan’s case manager]. Call me,” would be cause for a five-alarm freak out. Thankfully Veronica knows me well enough to add, “nothing bad.” When I called her, she related the story. There was an autism awareness assembly […]
Read more "Autism Advocacy Done Right"There is a natural parental pride when a child pursues a parent’s interest, be it a line of study, a hobby, or a sport. Ryan didn’t exactly come by his love of hockey by himself, and that’s OK. I am proud that he has found the same love of the sport that I have, and […]
Read more "All on His Own"
Pucks and Puzzle Pieces 