Navigating Life's Detours
Finding the right path for a teen with special needs
Category: About Us
Teaching this old dog new tricks
When I graduated from college, I told myself I was done with school, homework, studying, tests and anything like it. I don’t think I ever really enjoyed school until attending DeLand High School and getting involved in TV production. I knew I had found… Continue Reading “Teaching this old dog new tricks”
Mornings with J.P.
Things are busy in the Cousins’ household in the morning. If J.P. had a good night, he usually will sleep until well after the sun comes up, but upon awakening, things get a bit hectic. We still keep a log of his diapers just… Continue Reading “Mornings with J.P.”
Make room for puppy
I spent my weekend in full-on prep mode for what will be a life-changing couple of weeks. I really believe it’s almost like getting ready to bring home a baby. We know something is coming, but the specific details just aren’t available. We spent… Continue Reading “Make room for puppy”
Why do I run?
I run because it helps me to navigate life’s detours. As the parent of a child with special needs, I never know when I’ll be able to get to the gym, yoga, crossfit or any of the other physical activities many people take part… Continue Reading “Why do I run?”
The packing process begins
In just one week, we’ll be waking up in a dormitory and beginning our training to get J.P.’s canine companion. We’ve already received our textbook and will be studying to prepare for our classes. You must pass daily quizzes and an exam before you… Continue Reading “The packing process begins”
It’s someone’s birthday!
Someone will be opening presents Sunday, and it’s not J.P. Paige, J.P. and I will be gathering with family to celebrate Paige’s birthday, and all she keeps saying is she wants to go shoe shopping. But Paige’s birthday is about a lot more than… Continue Reading “It’s someone’s birthday!”
Making the hospital hospitable
I shared a bit earlier about how all the time we’ve spent in the hospital over the past 11 years turned into almost a second job for me. Florida Hospital for Children is practically a second home, and there are plenty of employees there… Continue Reading “Making the hospital hospitable”
What is holoprosencephaly?
Holoprosencephaly is a form of cerebral palsy. Paige and I learned that J.P. had holoprosencephaly at 23 weeks into our pregnancy during an ultrasound appointment. It was one of those situations where no one wants to tell you anything, but they make phone calls… Continue Reading “What is holoprosencephaly?”
The daily balancing act
I admit it. I don’t spend as much one-on-one time with J.P. as my wife, Paige, does. I work the night shift at Hearst Television in Orlando and manage the websites of dozens of stations when they’re not locally staffed. That means Paige is… Continue Reading “The daily balancing act”
Why blog now?
I’ve considered blogging for a long time. I’ve thought about the early years as my wife, Paige, and I tried to navigate our way through life with a special-needs child. We’ve learned a lot as we’ve worked to find the smoothest path to provide… Continue Reading “Why blog now?”
Blogs I Follow
Blogs I Follow
Navigating Life's Detours 