"Whether the weather be fine, Whether the weather be not, Whether the weather be cold, Whether the weather be hot, We'll weather the weather, Whatever the whether, Whether we like it or not”

The above quote can apply to the lives of everyone on this planet.  But, we ask that you spend the next few moments in the shoes of our family of four.  Our family began on September 13, 2000 with the birth of our first son, Cole.  Everything leading up to his birth was so very exciting, preparing our lives for his arrival.  This excitement was immediately dissolved into sorrow and hopelessness after we were informed that Cole had Down Syndrome and we were very quickly told how many things he would NOT be able to do and how life would be so difficult.

10 years and an additional diagnosis of Autism later, life is NOTHING like Wendy and I had planned.  As hard as we try, the life of our family is dictated by Cole and not much else.  If Cole is in a good mood and compliant, it is a great day and that a lone provides much hope.  But on the contrary, there's the "OTHER" days...  The days when I come home from work to find the house a complete wreck, hearing the stories of what has been broken this time, an out of sorts Cole and most importantly to me, a frazzled and upset wife who has spent the better half of the last 12 hours literally following Cole around the house.   Giving in to his constant demands of "eat", "juice", "music", picking up broken pieces, cleaning food or even worse off of the walls and ceiling.   ANYTHING to make him happy  and content that provides the smallest amount of respite is regarded higher than ANY amount of money in our household.  As parents, we can only be so strong and we struggle with Cole often.  Yet, we often hear the praises from others such as "I don't know how you guys do it" or "you guys are amazing parents."  I had always hated hearing such quotes because there are times I just don't feel amazing.  When Cole is incessantly pounding on the wall at 3AM because he refuses to sleep or when I'm dodging full plates of food that he throws.  We can't help but take notice of how other families have it so EASY, but I'm not so sure how we would handle life without Cole.  As silly as it sounds, it's something that we wouldn't want.  Just like the quote says, "We'll weather the weather, no matter the whether, Whether we like it or not..."

But with all the stress that is our everyday life with Cole, the POSITIVE aspects and events of Cole's life are magnified to larger than life proportions.  When you have a child like Cole, you celebrate the small things over and over.  So not to paint a bleak picture of our 10 year old, THINGS ARE LOOKING UP FOR COLE! 

Special Olympics Illinois has provided a chance for Cole to prosper and has introduced Cole to acceptance in this world.  Wendy and I have been involved in Special Olympics events in the past merely as supporters, but within the last few months, we have evolved from volunteers to parents of an ATHLETE!!!  Cole recently received his FIRST GOLD MEDAL from Special Olympics Illinois.  To see his happiness in participating and receiving the award provides such hope for our family!  

Next month, Wendy and I will be jumping into the icy depths of Lake Michigan 24 times in 24 hours to celebrate our son who reminds us on a daily basis what unconditional love truly means.  This fundraising page will benefit BOTH Wendy and I.  To struggle through a sleepless night, to struggle through 30 degree water is the very least we could do in support of Cole and an organization that means so much to our family! 

Please consider a donation towards our goal.  Your donation is tax deductible!  If you would rather send a check, please make it out to Special Olympics Illinois and send it to:

Joliet Police Department

Attn: Ofc Dwayne English #304

150 W Washington

Joliet, Illinois 60432