A Journey from Darkness into Light
Over the last few years, amidst the snuffed out fire of my inspiration, there has continued to smolder a secret hope that I might, one day, reconnect with the creative force within. That free flowing breath of expression… That courageous fire to overcome…. That grounded assurance to remain steady amidst the winds of change and destruction... Those waters of emotions that once brought my heart to the world.
2020 has been a year of unprecedented occurrence. To varying degrees, the virus has affected us all. It’s led to isolation, loss of livelihood and in many cases, loss of life itself. Families ripped apart, so many have suffered deeply. Fights over equality, politics and government control have left gapping wounds in the unity of our people. There is no... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, the one-year anniversary of Oliver’s Odyssey slipped quietly by. I had planned to do something big, in celebration, but true to the current theme of our life, the month leading up to this special day was filled with chaos and little opportunity for creativity. But this only solidifies in my mind one of the greatest... Continue Reading →
It has been said that the grieving process is like peeling an onion. As each layer falls away, it gives the gift of deeper understanding and also reveals the next level of processing. The stages don’t go smoothly from 1-5… denial, anger, bargaining, depression and then acceptance. They are interwoven and revisit you many times even after... Continue Reading →
Most of us share the basic human desire to escape pain. It is weeks like this one that illuminate the desperate attempts my mind makes to transcend my own. Our HIE community was shaken by the passing of 3 of our children over the last week. This unbelievable loss has thrust me hard back into... Continue Reading →
Being the little brother of a special needs sibling has it's perks and some downsides too. On one hand, there's tons of super cool equipment to climb on, swings bolted to the ceiling of the living room, a therapy center that seems to be your own personal playground and PLENTY of trips to the doctors... Continue Reading →
Today was hard. I was inarguably consumed by the anger stage of grief. Before I write though, I want to preface this post by saying… I do not share our experience for pity or attention. My writing is a way to help me process through the harder parts of our journey. Sharing what I write fulfills a different purpose... Continue Reading →
Hospital life is a crazy life. The pace of the people there is fast but the process is slow. The stakes are high. Reactions are quick and things can shift unexpectedly. Ironically, the hospital is the last place you’d want to go if you actually needed rest. There are rounds, vital checks, meds, meals, treatment protocols, social workers, dieticians,... Continue Reading →
Hot showers have always been one of my most favorite things in the whole world. When I’m tired, sick, stressed, worried, sleepy or wound up… a hot shower is always the cure to my ails. I love the calming caress of the water as it falls over my shoulders, melting away the tension and easing my worried... Continue Reading →
Ahhh Napa … I love the long drive leading to this enchanted destination, where smiling faces and warm greetings meet you at the door. It’s a place where the burdens of life melt away and suddenly the day seems full of lightness, hope and absolute possibility. At Napa, positivity flows freely, quenching the thirst of all... Continue Reading →
There have been a number of times in the last 5 years that I’ve literally thought I might lose my mind. This is one of those times. The news yesterday, of my oldest friend being found dead, alone in his home, hit my like a ton of bricks. The words, 'Ryan passed away', sent waves of shock... Continue Reading →
Before I had Oliver, I was very uncomfortable around people with disabilities. It’s kind of embarrassing to be honest about that, especially at this point in my life, but I wanted to open this conversation up because I don’t think I am the only one who’s felt that way. Often when I am out in the... Continue Reading →
Oliver's Odyssey 