This is an old picture of Theo and my older son who I have been sharing about. They have always had a close bond, and even though they are both getting older, this is how I will remember them.

I've learned a lot about being a parent in the past 8 years since we found out Theo would have Ds, even though I had been a dad for 17 years when he was born. Theo brings out the best in all of us. We are truly blessed to have him in our lives.
#WDSD2025

One of the seven new members has a name I recognize.

The one thing the other parents and I have in common is that it was our sons and most were around the age of my boy.

My 12 yr old son (typically developing) is very quiet and keeps his feelings to himself. I pray he doesn't follow in his older brother's footsteps.

The more I open up about this, the more I am hearing from others whose children either attempted or successfully ended their own lives. It breaks my heart for them, mostly because I was completely unaware, but also because I can sympathize at least to a degree.

So we keep moving forward and do the best we can. Carrie and I have been seeing a counselor together since our son's first attempt. Our other 4 children will join us next week. Our 2 daughters are seeing counselors individually.

The flip side of that is my wife and I get to hear daily that he hasn't changed his mind. He still doesn't have the will to live. We are both on the verge of our own breakdowns, but still have 3 kids at home, including our homie with an extra chromie.