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Spectre38 · 4 April 2021, 10:29 AM

First let me give a brief background ... on my son.

Born with a condition called Gastroschisis ( stomach and intestines on the outside ), delivered at 4.2 lbs, spent first 47 days in Neonatal ICU and had 6 surgeries to put him together.

At 22 months, diagnosed with Autism. At 10, we were told he would never be independent and would require care for life. At 12, his mom couldn't deal with it and left taking his younger brother.

It has been the two of us for the last 11 years together. He does pretty well but still has some pretty limiting issues.

Fast forward to today... He got up and took a shower and started getting ready as if he was going somewhere. I asked what was going on and he replied " I didn't want to tell you dad, I wanted it to be a surprise.... I am going to work."

Without my help or knowledge, he managed to get a job at a local convenience store. His brother helped him with some of the details. Together, they ordered his social security card, filled out the paperwork, and attended the interviews.

This may not seem like a big deal to many here on the forum, but this is life changing for him... and me. I couldn't be prouder. He is currently working his first shift ( 3 hours ) and I am not to go into the store. I am busting at the seams, but am respecting his wishes.

Just thought I would share.

DLRIDES · 4 April 2021, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spectre38

First let me give a brief background ... on my son.

Born with a condition called Gastroschisis ( stomach and intestines on the outside ), delivered at 4.2 lbs, spent first 47 days in Neonatal ICU and had 6 surgeries to put him together.

At 22 months, diagnosed with Autism. At 10, we were told he would never be independent and would require care for life. At 12, his mom couldn't deal with it and left taking his younger brother.

It has been the two of us for the last 11 years together. He does pretty well but still has some pretty limiting issues.

Fast forward to today... He got up and took a shower and started getting ready as if he was going somewhere. I asked what was going on and he replied " I didn't want to tell you dad, I wanted it to be a surprise.... I am going to work."

Without my help or knowledge, he managed to get a job at a local convenience store. His brother helped him with some of the details. Together, they ordered his social security card, filled out the paperwork, and attended the interviews.

This may not seem like a big deal to many here on the forum, but this is life changing for him... and me. I couldn't be prouder. He is currently working his first shift ( 3 hours ) and I am not to go into the store. I am busting at the seams, but am respecting his wishes.

Just thought I would share.

I can’t express in words ..................... you’re a man beyond and above us all !

Dubshack · 4 April 2021, 10:39 AM

That’s amazing. Good on him and good on you.

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GradyPhilpott · 4 April 2021, 10:40 AM

Wow, man!

That is so incredible.

Congratulations to you and both your sons.

Tudor841 · 4 April 2021, 10:40 AM

Great story - great Dad - great Son - great Brother!

Thanks for sharing

emersm · 4 April 2021, 10:47 AM

This is the best thing I have read in a very long time. My heart is full.

Thank you and God bless!

JParm · 4 April 2021, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emersm

This is the best thing I have read in a very long time. My heart is full.

Thank you and God bless!

I was just about to say the same thing...truly one of the best things I've ever read on TRF.

CONGRATULATIONS!! You are an amazing father.

superdog · 4 April 2021, 10:58 AM

This is simply wonderful.

You are wonderful.

Your son is amazing.

Thank you for sharing this story.

Spectre38 · 4 April 2021, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLRIDES

I can’t express in words ..................... you’re a man beyond and above us all !

Thanks, but I am just a dad with a couple of pretty great boys.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dubshack

That’s amazing. Good on him and good on you.

He is so incredibly proud, excited and nervous.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Wow, man!

That is so incredible.

Congratulations to you and both your sons.

Thank you

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tudor841

Great story - great Dad - great Son - great Brother!

Thanks for sharing

I would question the great dad part... but will go with dedicated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by emersm

This is the best thing I have read in a very long time. My heart is full.

Thank you and God bless!

Thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpeezy14@hotmail.com

I was just about to say the same thing...truly one of the best things I've ever read on TRF.

CONGRATULATIONS!! You are an amazing father.

It was all him, I am just in AWE.

77T · 4 April 2021, 11:04 AM

I am happy to hear such a heartwarming incoming.

Well wishes that he and you enjoy his new adventure.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Spectre38 · 4 April 2021, 11:11 AM

If I had the means right now, I think getting an Explorer or Explorer II would be an appropriate watch to commemorate the occasion.

White Collar Boy · 4 April 2021, 11:11 AM

Such a beautiful post. Glad to hear this. What champs you both are!

I’m sorry you were told years ago that he would never live independently. ASD is such a mysterious and misunderstood disorder and a lot of intervention practices are unintentionally harmful to the families involved.

Thanks for sharing.

Moondoggy · 4 April 2021, 11:13 AM

Now that is epic.

Congrats X 1,000,000

42itus · 4 April 2021, 11:13 AM

Man! What an amazing young man! You must be very proud!

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AzPaul · 4 April 2021, 11:13 AM

Great to read Paul.
What an awesome surprise.
Wishing him all the luck in the world.

austinp · 4 April 2021, 11:20 AM

Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it. The world needs more stories like this.

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Jetstream513 · 4 April 2021, 11:20 AM

Got emotional reading this. Thanks for sharing.

ltmgeller · 4 April 2021, 11:21 AM

Thats awesome. Congrats!

walds11 · 4 April 2021, 11:22 AM

Amazing story. Thank you for sharing!

Spectre38 · 4 April 2021, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by White Collar Boy

Such a beautiful post. Glad to hear this. What champs you both are!

I’m sorry you were told years ago that he would never live independently. ASD is such a mysterious and misunderstood disorder and a lot of intervention practices are unintentionally harmful to the families involved.

Thanks for sharing.

After he graduated from high school, he sat down and read through the archive of materials I have on him since he was diagnosed. School reports, special ed. reports and suggestions, psychiatrist records... all it did was strengthen his resolve to, as he put it... " stop the Autism from defining me. "

selpo · 4 April 2021, 11:24 AM

A great example of commitment and responsibility to family values and amazing brotherly love!

Congratulations to your sons!

Nikrnic · 4 April 2021, 11:34 AM

Heartwarming indeed. You must be a very proud dad..

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

RBradleigh · 4 April 2021, 11:38 AM

Great read, thank you and Happy Easter

Texex · 4 April 2021, 11:38 AM

Thank you so much for sharing. You and your sons are a great story of a family sticking together and teaching us all about perseverance

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

gtnator · 4 April 2021, 11:50 AM

Thank you for the courage to share. There are many similar stories like this, not always happy circumstances. It’s good to know there are others close by.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

THC · 4 April 2021, 11:53 AM

Father of the Decade, by a mile...

KermitGang · 4 April 2021, 11:53 AM

Great job dad! Well done indeed.

Slimpee · 4 April 2021, 12:01 PM

This is such a great story!

I hope he does well with his new gig!

Old Expat Beast · 4 April 2021, 12:04 PM

Congratulations to you both. Single dads rock! (I had one, too).

schwoo · 4 April 2021, 12:21 PM

Great story!!! I admire his drive and ambition. God bless

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

4 April 2021, 10:29 AM	#1
Spectre38 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Real Name: Paul Location: Out West Watch: and be amazed. Posts: 1,552	Best incoming ever... non watch related. First let me give a brief background ... on my son. Born with a condition called Gastroschisis ( stomach and intestines on the outside ), delivered at 4.2 lbs, spent first 47 days in Neonatal ICU and had 6 surgeries to put him together. At 22 months, diagnosed with Autism. At 10, we were told he would never be independent and would require care for life. At 12, his mom couldn't deal with it and left taking his younger brother. It has been the two of us for the last 11 years together. He does pretty well but still has some pretty limiting issues. Fast forward to today... He got up and took a shower and started getting ready as if he was going somewhere. I asked what was going on and he replied " I didn't want to tell you dad, I wanted it to be a surprise.... I am going to work." Without my help or knowledge, he managed to get a job at a local convenience store. His brother helped him with some of the details. Together, they ordered his social security card, filled out the paperwork, and attended the interviews. This may not seem like a big deal to many here on the forum, but this is life changing for him... and me. I couldn't be prouder. He is currently working his first shift ( 3 hours ) and I am not to go into the store. I am busting at the seams, but am respecting his wishes. Just thought I would share. __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro Grouch Curmudgeons

4 April 2021, 10:40 AM	#4
GradyPhilpott 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Mexico Watch: 116710 BLNR Posts: 34,343	Wow, man! That is so incredible. Congratulations to you and both your sons. __________________ JJ Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner

4 April 2021, 10:58 AM	#8
superdog 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Seth Location: nj Watch: Omega Posts: 24,681	This is simply wonderful. You are wonderful. Your son is amazing. Thank you for sharing this story. __________________ If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it? IG: gsmotorclub IG: thesawcollection (Both mostly just car stuff)

4 April 2021, 11:04 AM	#10
77T 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 40,676	I am happy to hear such a heartwarming incoming. Well wishes that he and you enjoy his new adventure. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

4 April 2021, 11:11 AM	#11
Spectre38 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Real Name: Paul Location: Out West Watch: and be amazed. Posts: 1,552	If I had the means right now, I think getting an Explorer or Explorer II would be an appropriate watch to commemorate the occasion. __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro Grouch Curmudgeons

4 April 2021, 10:39 AM	#3
Dubshack "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Real Name: Matt Location: SoCal Watch: 126334 Posts: 867	That’s amazing. Good on him and good on you. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

4 April 2021, 10:40 AM	#5
Tudor841 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: West Coast Posts: 150	Great story - great Dad - great Son - great Brother! Thanks for sharing

4 April 2021, 10:47 AM	#6
emersm 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Real Name: Merle Location: USA Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,478	This is the best thing I have read in a very long time. My heart is full. Thank you and God bless!

4 April 2021, 11:11 AM	#12
White Collar Boy 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Real Name: Matt Location: . Watch: PAM111 Posts: 2,622	Such a beautiful post. Glad to hear this. What champs you both are! I’m sorry you were told years ago that he would never live independently. ASD is such a mysterious and misunderstood disorder and a lot of intervention practices are unintentionally harmful to the families involved. Thanks for sharing.

4 April 2021, 11:13 AM	#13
Moondoggy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Real Name: Berty Location: NI/Aust/USA Watch: and wait Posts: 3,036	Now that is epic. Congrats X 1,000,000 __________________ Permanent social programs that finance and enable poor life choices usually keep the “intentions matter more than results” crowd in control. Never argue with a fool, as eventually it will be difficult to tell the difference.

4 April 2021, 11:13 AM	#14
42itus "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Real Name: Tom Location: Honolulu Watch: 116519LN Posts: 3,828	Man! What an amazing young man! You must be very proud! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

4 April 2021, 11:13 AM	#15
AzPaul 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: Paul Location: Tucson, Az Watch: Rolex 1501 Posts: 13,193	Great to read Paul. What an awesome surprise. Wishing him all the luck in the world. __________________ Ain't much of a crime, whacking a surly bartender

4 April 2021, 11:20 AM	#16
austinp "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: us Posts: 3,264	Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it. The world needs more stories like this. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

4 April 2021, 11:20 AM	#17
Jetstream513 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Taiwan Posts: 21	Got emotional reading this. Thanks for sharing.

4 April 2021, 11:21 AM	#18
ltmgeller 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Real Name: Mike Location: New York Watch: Rolex Posts: 21,345	Thats awesome. Congrats! __________________ Oh, look at the time... Official Member: 'WIS-CON' Las Vegas International GTG 2019

4 April 2021, 11:22 AM	#19
walds11 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Adam Location: Philly ‘burbs Posts: 5,632	Amazing story. Thank you for sharing! __________________ Adam

4 April 2021, 11:24 AM	#21
selpo "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Texas Watch: Rolex, AP, PP Posts: 549	A great example of commitment and responsibility to family values and amazing brotherly love! Congratulations to your sons!

4 April 2021, 11:34 AM	#22
Nikrnic "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2017 Real Name: Louis Nick Ric Location: Michigan, USA Watch: Blnr, Expll, Subs, Posts: 10,158	Heartwarming indeed. You must be a very proud dad.. Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

4 April 2021, 11:38 AM	#23
RBradleigh "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Real Name: Russell Location: Moses Lake Watch: 216570 Polar Posts: 282	Great read, thank you and Happy Easter __________________ Polar 216570 ElPrimero O’69 Nomos Tangente Hamilton Khaki Sub 114060

4 April 2021, 11:38 AM	#24
Texex "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Seattle Watch: Explorer II Posts: 777	Thank you so much for sharing. You and your sons are a great story of a family sticking together and teaching us all about perseverance Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Daytona White 116500LN, GMT II BLNR, Explorer II Polar, Submariner 116610LV, GMT II BLRO, Sky Dweller Blue.

4 April 2021, 11:50 AM	#25
gtnator 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: USA Watch: DSSD, SD43, Pepsi, Posts: 2,064	Thank you for the courage to share. There are many similar stories like this, not always happy circumstances. It’s good to know there are others close by. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

4 April 2021, 11:53 AM	#26
THC 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Tom Location: Mandeville La Watch: 16610M Posts: 10,473	Father of the Decade, by a mile...

4 April 2021, 11:53 AM	#27
KermitGang "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Real Name: Lance Location: TN Watch: 16610LV Posts: 184	Great job dad! Well done indeed.

4 April 2021, 12:01 PM	#28
Slimpee 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Midwest, USA Watch: DJ 41; 1803; BB Ch Posts: 1,283	This is such a great story! I hope he does well with his new gig!

4 April 2021, 12:04 PM	#29
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Hong Kong Watch: SEIKO Posts: 28,347	Congratulations to you both. Single dads rock! (I had one, too). __________________ _______________________

4 April 2021, 12:21 PM	#30
schwoo "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 186	Great story!!! I admire his drive and ambition. God bless Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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