User Profile

I'm a gay father in his late 40's partnered to a wonderful man for nearly six years. We have two kids, the older of which is a boy soon to be thirteen who has been diagnosed as autistic. For nearly half of his life, we have worked together as a family to help him to become his own person, and he's growing into a kind, sweet, artistic, albeit sensitive young man. His sister, almost two years younger, is also coming into her own and, having entered middle school this year, is thriving in her own right. Living with her brother's uniqueness has affected her in some ways we understand, some we may yet not. I've also struggled with depression for about fifteen years, and although so far self-diagnosed, know that I fit somewhere along the spectrum myself.

Two years ago last October, I quit my career federal job to be home with my kids and to sell real estate, a costly financial but a wonderful humanistic choice. As a family, we maintain as stable, positive and loving of an environment within which they can both live and grow as possible. This journal is intended to foster a dialogue among fellow LJ members about issues facing individuals and families who have challenges similar to ours, in the hope that we can learn and benefit from each other. If this all sounds a bit too "pie-in-the-sky" for you, then we probably won't mesh -- my kids are my life (i.e. I was the first openly gay dad elected to our local school board.) If not, feel free to friend, write, comment, whatever you like. Thanks very much. Bob

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