15 Comments
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Ashley Kopetzky's avatar

Thank you for sharing your vulnerability and complexities of fatherhood. Honored to be reading these pieces this week.

Heide’s World's avatar

Aloha from Kailua Kona to the Fournier family and thank you for this beautiful story. Congratulations to Tyler and all of you. The photo with President and Mrs Obama is awesome.

Michael Marr's avatar

The photo of the four of you has so many layers of meaning, all summed up by the words “this is what America could, and should, be.” Thanks for the stories, Ron.

Ron Fournier's avatar

Than you, ol’ friend. hope you’re well

Michael Marr's avatar

I am. Thanks for asking!

Bryan Gruley's avatar

Beautiful. As the gramps of a boy on the spectrum, I really appreciate it. Thanks, Ron.

Ron Fournier's avatar

I’m sure he’s a gift, Bryan

Kathryn's avatar

Thank you for this lovely bit of🌈

I really needed it today 💜

Your son is a treasure and so are you.

Ron Fournier's avatar

He certainly is, thank you

John Flesher's avatar

Thank you for this, Ron. I certainly can relate.

Janetr's avatar

Thank you for your honesty. Reading this brought tears to my eyes. Loving unconditionally is hard and when we say yes, opens our heart to all of humanity. To all the places in ourself we’ve been afraid to love. That is what is so badly needed. You and Tyler and your wife are changing the world. Your writing touches and teaches others.

CatChex's avatar

thank you for sharing this and congratulations to Tyler - and to mom and dad for supporting Tyler - college graduation is one of those big markers (it was for our family) - all best wishes

Laura Havranek's avatar

Ron, I had to revisit this post, because I am worried about my grandson, who is on the autism spectrum. My son does not let me know all the details about him but I knew he was in trouble when he hit kindergarten in a Covid lockdown and virtual schooling which he could not adjust to while his siblings got linked to class. He is on his 5th school in the 4/5th grade, but I want him to know success. He is much loved but I have seen him mocked, when for years he refused to cut his hair. He is sweet, loving, into train videos, fire alarms but has a mean streak. Worried in IL.

Ron Fournier's avatar

The worry is the hardest part. The best thing you can do for him is all you can do for any grandchild: Love him unconditionally and let him know you’re there for him when he needs help solving a problem. We can’t make life easy for our kids. Nor should we. But, for the unique challenges he faces as a person on the spectrum, do you have a resource in your state like the Autism Alliance of Michigan?

Laura Havranek's avatar

No we can’t Thank you for your insight. He knows that I am always there to be with him