14 Comments
User's avatar
Amber Heyward's avatar

This is beautiful, thanks for sharing.

Expand full comment
Michell C. Clark's avatar

Thanks for reading, Amber!

Expand full comment
Michael Sousa's avatar

My 26-month-old daughter, I've been noticing more and more, is exhibiting signs that she may have inherited my ADHD. So when you spoke to the burdens that Duanecia carries for the family, I felt that. Sometimes it feels like I can see things my wife can't...then I'm quickly reminded that the inverse is true, and I remember how grateful I am to not be alone in this.

Your family is beautiful. Sending y'all some love.

Expand full comment
Shirl's avatar

You both are beautiful & I applaud you for talking the tall of guiding a young soul into this would. I love being able to read your experience!!!!

Expand full comment
Ericka Simone's avatar

I’m 37 years late, but here with a reminder that we’ll be sending her to Howard U in less than 14 years. It will go by so fast. Ignore the elbows. Try to remember the good times. 💜

Expand full comment
The Reframe's avatar

Dude. Most relatable Substack out there. Thanks!

Expand full comment
Jesse Bice's avatar

The transition from Gickey to Mickey brought a tear to my eye - it's a bittersweet reality we're living with our 3 year old daughter. This was such a beautiful read - from one father to another, thank you.

Expand full comment
Jen Ferris, Ph.D.'s avatar

Beautiful writing and beautiful pictures.

Expand full comment
James Kerti's avatar

This is such a beautiful, deep piece, Michell. Thank you. 🩵

Expand full comment
Karen Wesley's avatar

That’s a tremendous amount of change within two years time. I applaud you and your wife for surviving. Two of my sons are on the autism spectrum. I have ADHD. Change is something that’s hard for them. Bravo 👏🏾 to you and your wife. And congratulations on a beautiful baby girl.

Expand full comment
Kiana Mayes's avatar

I am not a parent but I plan to be, this article was everything I needed to hear. Beautifully gentle but direct at the same time. Thank you for sharing your story. 🥹🌱💚

Expand full comment
Marcy Farrey 🧚‍♀️'s avatar

Agreed, this is beautiful. It resonates so much as a new parent with a 9-month-old, and with two parents who work entirely from home running their own businesses. Life is certainly much more complicated, but we too can't imagine living life the way we did before. Being parents even sparked us to move to an entirely different state. We improved our quality of life for her, yes, but also for ourselves.

Expand full comment
AntiCA USA's avatar

Hang in there and keep up the good work. Parenthood is both a struggle and great joy. There’s nothing more important to your daughter than you and your wife’s love, care and guidance. And in a broader sense, it is parents who play a critical role in the future of humanity. Happy Father’s Day!

Expand full comment
Melonie Shelton's avatar

Thank you for sharing your sweet Ada and how much she is loved by you and your wife. Happy Fathers Day!

Expand full comment