About Me

I am a 40 year old married father of 5 special gifts from the Father.  I am relatively new to the pipe scene and I want to use this blog as a journal of sorts of my journey.

Oct 2nd of this year – 2008 – the bride and I will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.  A wonderfully beautiful person.  I could not ask for a better person to help me guide my precious children to be respectful, appreciative adults.

When my oldest (son) was diagnosed Autistic as a 2-1/2 year old, my wife gave up her career to be as involved in this little guys life and get educated the best she can to help him along a difficult path that he did not choose.  I must have done something right.

My oldest son is a ruminating, artistic young man who spends his time reading, and drawing.  He has an amazing talent in his sketches that blows my mind.  He is enthralled by sharks and the military.  With his autism, school does not come easy, but I couldn’t be prouder as he attacks his homework first thing without being told and is assisted with a full time aid at school to keep him safe and on task.  This current school year something just clicked and what were C’s and D’s are now A’s and B’s.  He tried sports to be “one of the guys” but with autism comes awkward movements and the inability to comprehend the meaning of the games.  His burden of inappropriate responses to situations has caused him to struggle in this area and he found his niche in playing the cello.  God bless this little guy.  The odds are stacked against him and he does the best with the tools given him to get by.

I have one daughter who no doubt is cut from the same mold as my wife.  A thoughtful, helpful, beautiful young lady who has stolen Daddy’s heart.  When the time comes for the young men to come calling, I will have to excercise restraint not to use the “cleaning my gun” routine…

My next son at times can be quite a challenge as he is full of life, vim and vigor.  He can’t help himself but to get in trouble as he does everything at 813 miles an hour.  My middle child with a driven exterior, but sensitive interior with a smile that will win over the most hardened soul.

Son #4 is a little waif of a dude that shares his older brothers love of life and anything that will be sure to get Mom and Dad’s attention.  A remarkable handsome little man that lives life to the fullest.  It is simply amazing watching this little dude explore every new thing that comes his way.

Finally, my youngest son.  Built out of the same mold as his father, this awesome little dude is a monster that makes the coffee in the cup shudder as he takes his first steps.  An engaging little gift that makes you laugh.  His favorite game is to head-butt and for a little guy with a massive nugget it turns out to be a test of wills to see if the old man cries uncle.

I hope you enjoy my ruminations and Thank You for stopping by!

Bob Rivet – Midland, MI