Three Weeks Ago…

Since birth of our daughter Gypsy Kalilah; alike any other child has a dependent need and, alike any other parent I promised to be there to help and provide what I can and sometimes more.  But, since birth our daughters needs have grown as she has grown. Especially so, due to the developmental issues found at birth. I am considering her needs and my ability to compromise my schedule with her needs. It is challenging to time mange and combine her schedule with mine. Not because of the inability to get time off, not because of my lack of enthusiasm, but because in life I have always found that your focus drives your achievements!  And it is my drive to always improve my current situation and maintain what I have gathered for my family and self. I suppose this goes back to the simplistic instinct of man the provider / man the father. Nevertheless, I have this desire to be there for Gypsy Kalilah, and even in a stronger sense of the meaning“Being There”!

Two Weeks Ago…

I have requested PFL from my employer and with the Employment Development Dept. I was awarded time off for the maximum of 6 weeks. Although this was an awesome opportunity it is not financially practical to take all of that time off at once and so, I split my time and am taking only three weeks at first. The pay is not great and one of the 6 weeks is unpaid.

During this time off I am taking advantage of the ability to get closer to those around me during this holiday season. I plan to establish a strong household foundation and also a strong start in Gypsy’s therapy. 

Here & Now…

It is now the last week of my PFL and I am a little saddened Richard to return back to work because of this opportunity to bond with my newborn daughter and family and friends. I plan to return to Gypsy’s physical and occupational therapy dependent on how I can fit it into the work schedule, but as any parent knows that is the chaos of parenthood and the weekly compromise that we all face when dealing with our children’s needs.

I really wanted to take this break from work to give her this opportunity to improve her motor skills, to establish a care plan, and also to grow our bond.

That is the real challenge of parenthood to give your children every opportunity available to them.

Today both kids have school. It is amazing to think about how we influence the next generations learning curve; also somewhat frightening to fathom what life lessons as parents we will have to load our children’s back pack with.

I really have to say that the resources offered for families through CCS and Exceptional Family Resource Center and the San Diego Regional center are life savers for those with special needs. The coordinated care that we have been able to plan for our daughter can really give her every opportunity she deserves.