Being the sibling to a special needs child is incredibly challenging.Every day Beckett, 11, is tested by his 9-year-old little brother Carson. Beckett is right to claim his life is unfair. Sometimes he articulates it with mature clarity. He’s aware of the impact his brother’s disabilities have on his life. In some ways, he is… Read more »

Beckett’s list of things he enjoys expanded this fall to include being a ball boy.He “worked” his first few varsity games as a soccer ball boy last month at his school, Worcester Prep. Pam and I couldn’t be there with work and Carson responsibilities, but we also didn’t really feel our attendance was critical for… Read more »

I’ve been spending Saturdays in a fun (and exhausting) way.Beckett and I get up early for his 8 a.m. soccer practice at River Soccer Club. We then come home for an hour and head back for Carson’s TOPSOCCER program (The Outreach Program for Soccer). The goal is to provide young athletes with disabilities an opportunity… Read more »

Maybe it’s just parenting’s ups and downs, but I’ve noticed my kids having some moods lately.Somedays they seem just off, and it’s an adjustment to see these new mood swings in my boys, 11 and 9 years old, respectively.I’m used to them being excitable, motivated and anxious to do whatever. Now, these boys have their… Read more »

First days of school are memorable no matter the age, but there’s no question they have changed over the years.Mention school to Carson, 9, and the result is a big sigh followed by a grunt merging frustration, disappointment and resentment into one sound. We spent most of last week talking up the prospects of school… Read more »

Eleven weeks ago, I was ready for a change in routine. Now, I’m looking forward to the return of one.As school approaches next week, I’m excited to return to the days of set schedules.While summer is fantastic in many respects, especially the warm weather, it’s also the busiest time of the year in our work… Read more »

“One Perfect Day.”That’s how Surfers Healing is described by many.Last week was our family’s fourth time participating in Surfers Healing, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in Ocean City on Aug. 14.Surfers Healing is a traveling camp providing children with Autism and other developmental disabilities the opportunity to go surfing under the caring and professional guidance… Read more »