Best B-Day Gift: Date with my Daughter

After adoration (at St. Marguerite's) & 8 am mass I had a date with my daughter. We went to the bank, the Newtown general store (for candy) & to the Red Rooster Bakery. It was great fun to place our order (crossaint for jackie) & sit down for our date. We just chatted - nothing major yet wonderful. When the food was ready, the waitress came over & said "Sorry for interrupting your date with your Daddy". That felt great!

Is there anything better? Thank you Jaclyn for the best gift.

Stew Leonard's & Autism

Yesterday, David and I went to Stew Leonard's. He wanted to see his "musical friends". I believe we very much had a good time (our day ended with ice cream) - it is hard to tell. That is, he handled crowds well & listened when I talked with him. But David seemed unusually drawn to the musical characters in the store. But honestly - spending 3 hours with your son is beautiful - there ain't nothing like it.

Tonight was interesting. 60 minutes had a nice story, "Diagnosis: Autism". It was the revelation on how early intervention services (12 months & younger) helps "re-wire the brain". I felt proud of our early work with David but also emotional. Emotional in the fact of how far we have come, how far we have to go & especially for the families shown tonight. Afterwards, we quickly turned to Extreme Home Makeover - just to see the house. The show centered on the O'Donnell Family who had 5 autistic children. My heart & respect went out to them.

Finally, Jaclyn asked to read a children's book entitled, "He's My Brother" by Joe Lasker

Tonight was an emotional body blow, but an awakening for me to keep fighting.

I can't wait for David to wake up. I want to hug him.

The Day My Father Died

19 years ago today, my father died. Not sure what, but on that day something died in me too.

3 recent events that reminded me of my Dad:
1. In January our family attended the Jack O'Leary Pasta Night. This night is a fun family night held at my grammar school in the Bronx. For 19 years they have celebrated and raised scholarship money for 2 graduates. The OLeary kids were excited to go see "Grandpa Jack".

2. Baptism of Abigail Elizabeth. Abigail's baptism and welcome to the Catholic faith this past Sunday.

3. This morning when Rachel mentioned to the kids that Grandpa Jack died 19 years ago today. Jaclyn responded, "Well, if his Daddy died, he must be sad today".

You know what, I am sad today.

Who Cares About the Super Bowl?

The streak is over. I missed my 1st Chaluisan Super Bowl Party. I received a call (while driving to the party) that Jaclyn was accidentally hurt by knocking a picture frame on her foot. My instincts & adrenaline instantly urged me home. I arrived home to give her a big hug and put ice on her foot. She was calm & then I had to urge JP to get to bed. I sat down to watch the 2nd half of the Super Bowl.

Jaclyn hopped downstairs and gave me a note that said the following:

Dear Dad:
You love me.
I love you.
XOXOXO
Love,
Jaclyn

Who cares about the Superbowl. (PS: Colts won)

First Snowfall

Feb 3, 2007 brought our first REAL snowfall in our new home. We had a blast - Jaclyn, Davd and JP helped shovel and built snow pyramids. We find the most fun is when we are getting dressed in anticipating the snow. We also find fun afterwards when getting undressed while anticipating the hot chocolate. Our first snow memories in the new home - not a bad way to spend a Saturday.