jeremy and kids
For the majority of their lives, I was the stay-at-home parent. I fed them at night when they were infants, got them up in the morning, made the meals, changed the diapers, read with them, tutored them as they explored their new world. As they got older, I got them to school and helped them navigate all the new experiences they had. In the last couple of years, our whole world changed. I went from tucking them in each night, to becoming a “weekend dad.”
Sometimes grown-ups press in toward our own selfishness and stubbornness, and sadly, sometimes children bear the brunt of burdens that aren’t of their own making. Our world has been upended, and the kids have struggled greatly – each in his or her own way. After times that seemed impossible to endure, we have come out the other side with lessons, love and strength that surpasses what I could have imagined plausible. We own each other’s hearts, and although it’s not the family we dreamed of having, It’s the best family in the World. I’m grateful for the path that led us here… because there’s love here.
Royal
Fun loving 10 year old - smart as a whip, he puts his efforts into mastering video games, protecting and showing the ropes to his younger siblings, and making new friends. He has persevered through disappointments in life. He feels deeply and sometimes gets discouraged, but allows himself the space to heal and overcome. He enjoys playing soccer, and is a natural athlete. We’ve lost a multitude of balls over the fence in our batting practice sessions. He will be starting his own YouTube channel to show the world how much fun he can have playing video games. He is also a gifted storyteller and artist – and has self published comics with a wide variety of original characters.
Raylan
Raylan is a 9 year old with a heart of gold. He steps up immediately when asked to perform any task. He has a strong sense of justice and prudence. He observes constantly, and deliberates before acting swiftly. He uses his innate intelligence to dive in and tackle academic challenges. Since he taught himself to read as a 4 year old, he spends nearly every night consuming fiction and non-fiction alike. He excels at sports, and in the classroom, because he gives 100% effort to every challenge he’s confronted with. If you want the truth, ask Raylan.
Dreher
Dreher is extreme. Before he could speak he earned the nickname Metal Dre, because he approaches everything with a “how can I do this bigger, louder or faster” attitude. He hugs tighter, he runs faster, climbs higher, falls harder, and shakes off injury as an inevitable byproduct of living BIG. He has the sweetest smile and the truest tears. He loves to go on adventures, and often invites his baby sister along for the fun. He is gregarious, and I’m certain that he has several contemporaries who consider him their best friend. He excels in school, and has learned how to entertain a room full of kids … usually without disrupting the teacher’s goals.
Nina
Nina is heart and personality. LOTS of personality. She shares her feelings passionately, and it’s a joy to behold. She loves working with her hands, crafting, drawing, and hand-making gifts for all the people she loves. She rarely shows up without a painting, puzzle, purse, or sculpture to offer her family and friends. She’s daddy’s girl, and loves to be in constant physical contact. “Jump-hugs” are her favorite. She is fearless and strong. Her favorite places to be are climbing high in a tree or on the high monkey bars. She has yet to find a limit of her bravery and strength. She is bold.
- jeremy
