Future Big Brother In Need Of A Daddy

Even after my niece Megan was born in February, it still amazes me how much Alex likes babies. With both of the new babies (Leah, my brother's daughter, and Megan, my sister's daughter) at my brother's house yesterday, Alex didn't want to play with them at first, because everyone was around them. Once the crowd thinned down, he came over and started giving them both kisses and hugs, and holding their hands. He knows he has to be gentle, and he gives them hugs and kisses when they cry.

I know he will be an amazing big brother when Tony and I get to the point where we are ready to have more kids. He shows care and compassion, and is concerned for each of the girls individually, trying to make sure that both were ok.

But before we think about having other children, I have to deal with custody of Alex. I am trying to get sole custody, because being with his father is not what is best for Alex. I am not saying this to be mean, but it is the truth. Alex's biological father does not have a stable life, a roof over his own head let alone one for Alex, and has some psychological problems that he denies that he has to deal with. Because an autistic child needs stability, above all else, I am trying to get the ball rolling so I can get sole custody of Alex. I already practically do, because I am the one that his doctors, teachers, and coaches know. They have never met his dad. His dad has given many excuses as to why he cannot meet these very influential people in Alex's life, but that doesn't make up for it. This is going to be a long, hard, stressful battle, but one day I hope Alex sees that what I did was what was best for him. He needs a dad he can rely on to go to his baseball games, to provide for him, and to be there for him even if it is inconvenient, because that is what dads do. That is what parents do for their children. They put their children and their needs above and beyond their own. Alex needs a dad who understands that he is a little different, and still loves him. A dad that he can understand and respect.

I doubt that Alex will be torn up about losing his biological dad, just because he hasn't really been there for Alex since he was about a year old. He has me, and his grandparents, who have always been there. He knows we will be there for him. And now, he has Tony, who he looks up to. Alex will always know that his real dad is someone else, but he gets to choose who he wants to call dad. I hope this all goes well for us, so that Alex can continue to have the best opportunities available to him.