do your part. bake the cake.

Chocolate cake with chocolate icing.

Miller, our son, turned 15 Monday. That was his request.

Megan had been busy running errands, taking Jude to therapy, going to photo sessions and other basic life stuff. It’s been a busy couple of weeks for her.

On top of being busy, Jude is obsessed with her mom. To the point that Jude gets upset almost every time Megan leaves the room. Megan is constantly being pulled and pushed into doing things that Jude needs or things that Jude requests. She is Jude’s primary caregiver.

So I baked the cake.

Men - specifically special needs dads - this is your challenge to do your part. If you see a need, meet a need. Open your eyes and find something today that needs to be done. And then take care of it. No asking. No complaining. Offer up the assistance freely.

The mental load of special needs parenting can be heavy at times. Dads, it’s going to require more of you. Being a special needs dad requires:

• More effort - Not only do you have to get a normal amount of things done, but you have to do it while caring for someone who is dependent upon you for most everything.

• More vigilance - Jude will elope at odd times. Just runs away. We’re on constant alert.

• More provision - Being a special needs dad means that you’re likely going to need more resources for special clothing, bedding, toys, foods - but also therapy, doctors appointments, and medicines.

Dads, your kids and your spouse need you to be engaged. They need you to be present. They need you to pay attention.

They need you to do your part.

If i can bake a cake that is edible, you can do what needs to be done.

You got this.

PS - I don’t have everything figured out. I need to be better. I’m writing this because I’m dealing with this.