Here's the scoop, the lowdown, the 411. In my 20's when I occasionally thought about my future as a father I never considered the possibility that someday I might be the parent of a special needs child. The future held many exciting possibilities and trust me none of them involved seizure meds, a wheelchair, or an IEP. However in the fall of 2002 my 2 year old daughter began to have symptoms that pointed to a neuromuscular disorder. The formal diagnosis of Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy didn't come until late 2005 but by then I already knew my life had changed forever. I was going to be a "special" dad. It's a challenge that I chose to accept instead of run from and it's also a badge of honor I proudly wear every day. Life is what you make it. Hmm.....I think Hannah Montana might have said that. Now you can understand how in some ways my daughter is a typical pre-teen and in those moments I am a typical dad.
I hope to share some of the joys and challenges of being a "special dad" and probably will sprinkle in some sports, politics, and current events if it relates to that topic. Also I have the good fortune to be married to a wonderful woman who is a great "special mom" to our daughter. Love you honey! Well until next time...... cheers!
www.umdf.org
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