Actors turned parents, Amy and I followed our dreams to New York, only to have them hijacked by a couple demanding kids. Heath is making his way in the world with Asperger’s Syndrome, while his sister Hallie has Down Syndrome. He tries to teach her theoretical physics while she works on his empathy. Most days, it works. On some there’s even a bit of magic
You can also check out my slightly more political and way less prolific second blog, Extra Special Bitter at www.extraspecialbitter.wordpress.com
Playing in the City with Trains 
Derek
First let me congratulate you and Amy on the birth of your daughter Hallie! How is your son doing with a sibling? When I had my second daughter, Kim, my first daughter, Katy, did not like me so much! But at least she was okay to the baby. It sounds as though you were surprised to have a baby with downs syndrome and it that is true, I am sorry for you. With all the experience I have had as a nurse in OB/GYN babies with downs hold a special place in our hearts. They can be the most loving of all children despite the challenages they face. They let see the simple things in life, not the complicated world we tend to see. Second, I agree with your statement about what “we are” example you an actor, me a nurse. Our most important “job” is being a parent and providing a safe and loving enviroment for them. I found that a very hard job when my children were little, now I find that even more challenaging as they have become adults. BUT with the expected arrival of my first grandchild (a girl – Brooklynn Anne McPherson due 10/1/08) I feel such a sense of peace.
I hope for you and Amy that you find such peace with raising of your most special daughter! I know she will touch you in such unexpected ways. :0) Terri
Derek, I am sitting here nursing our new daughter and crying and laughing my way through your blog. You are incredible writer (from one struggling writer to another) and the discipline required to speak truth and find time is admirable. Of course, I already knew that you and Amy were incredible parents, but having had a small taste (7 weeks) of parenthood, I now stand in awe. I’m so glad Anne sent me this link. And I do hope that our little Zadie can meet Heath and Hallie soon.
Lots of love, Bonnie, Tim & Zadie
Hi Derek, I grew up in Durant, Ok and attended the church your wife and in laws went to. I was a year behind Amy in school. You already know what a great gal she is. Your writing about 9-11 reminded me about what happend here when Tim Mcveigh ( and others?) bombed the Murrah building in OKC, I was working in an auto repair shop in Norman, about 30 min south of OKC. I heard it on the radio and immediatly after that business came to a halt, and stayed that way for days, of course the news stations were all bussing with the search for survivors and the casualty count, but noticeably absent were the normal crime reports, I think even the criminals took notice and took a break for a week or so during that time, we were encouraged to drive with our lights on in remembrance of the victims. On the 1 week mark of the bombing here at 9:02 AM traffic came to a standstill on main street in Norman for a statewide moment of silence. It is amazing and tragic that it takes such an event for some of us to realize ( im having a hard time putting it into words) just how fragile our existance is, I know this for a fact, church attendance was up, people were freindlier, and it seemed like people came out of the woodwork to help. I guess what Im trying to say is that it just doesnt seem right that it takes events like this to wake us up to what is really important in life. Unfortunantly, it is often to easy to get caught up in all of the external stuff that before we know it we are distracted, I constantly have to refocus. Keep up the good work on your Blog. Brian.
Derek, I wanted to let you know that I nominated your blog for the Most Influential blog Award – I guess it is kind of like a chain blog. I don’t know if you are into this type of thing – I did want you to know that I appreciate your blog and what it adds to my day when I have a chance to read your posts. You can get more information about the award at my blog at http://dailycoloringoutsidethelines.wordpress.com/2013/11/23/the-most-influential-blogger-award/
Thank you very much, Genevieve.
Finally! Best to you and your family in the new year: http://stephaniemartinglennon.com/2015/01/15/broken-beauty-and-a-blogiversary/
Stephanie, my apologies. I just found this comment yesterday. I’ve updated my original post to introduce you to my readers. Thank you for sharing your time with me. I know it’s not easy.