Author Archives: David's Father

Is it censorship or good parenting?

Justin BieberIn light of the recent headlines regarding such “stars” as Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus and others, is it considered censorship to not allow my children to watch their videos, or listen to their music?

For example.  Recently it has been alleged that the flight crew on Bieber’s plane had to go on oxygen because the air inside of the aircraft was so full of pot smoke that they were afraid they wouldn’t pass a urine analysis.

Can you imagine?

It has also been reported that Bieber’s dad was on the flight.

Would it be different if marijuana was legalized across the country?

I don’t know.  What I do know is that I can’t see idolizing some kid because he is famous, especially when he puts the lives of those around him at risk.

Miley Cyrus is trying to do what with a wrecking ball?  I think that is the least of her concerns.  Didn’t we see the same reckless type of behavior from Amanda Bynes, Brittany Spears, and Lindsay Lohan?  Or is sensationalizing negative behavior the only way to keep the name in the papers, the cash rolling in, and the focus on celebrity?

I am concerned.  I am concerned that we as a society continue to look at celebrity as a glorious thing.  Think about it.

I guess, what it comes down to is accountability.  Are we going to hold the Bieber’s of the celebrity world accountable for their actions?  Or are we going to just giggle and say… “oh well, he is famous he can do what he wants.”

One only has to look as far as the recent passing of Phil Hoffman.  People need to be held accountable for their actions.  Celebrity or otherwise.  In Hoffman’s case, it cost him his life.  Sad, I really enjoyed his work.

Part of my efforts in writing about David’s behavior is to show that, while he is mentally ill,he also needs to be held accountable for his behavior and actions.

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David’s Honesty About Travel

Honesty is often times a misunderstood topic when it comes to David.

Is he inherently honest?  Yes, I think so.  I think that most people are.  At least that is what I believe.

On the other hand.  Do I believe everything David tells me?

No.  I think not, and neither should you.

Let me give you an example.

Let’s us say that David and I are having a conversation about the weather.  Just for example.

David:  How you doing?

Me: I am ok.  We are having a blizzard.

David: I’ll trade places with you if you want…

Me:  No David, you need to work your program, but I hope to visit you for a couple of hours soon.  Hopefully later next month.

David:  Did you know they have guest housing here?

========

and that would be the sum total of our conversation.

Later, I would find out that David is telling everyone that I am coming to stay for four or five days.

Our visits to the facility hinge on a number of factors, most important is how healthy I am at that point in time.  The other is travel.  We can’t afford to be driving a thousand miles a month plus miscellaneous expenses such as food.  I wish we could.  The First National Bank of Dad is closed.  No way around that.   If I can hitch a ride with a friend going in that direction, I will gladly do so.  With luck, I will be able to make frequent visits to his facility.

However, at least until summer, it would be just me making the trip, not the whole family.

So, bottom line, don’t believe everything David tells you.  He can tell some whoppers.

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David in Crisis Part 2

David was in crisis.

His manic moods are nothing new to us.  They are new to the facility where he lives now.

Today, among other things, they called and talked about an allegation that David made against a staff.

David has learned that he can file grievances and complaints against the staff at the facility.  While it is great that the residents have the ability to do that, I wonder…

See when David is in a mood swing, he can become very violent, lashing out at anything and anyone.  We know first hand just how strong his little body can be when he is in a mood swing.

He can get out of most holds.  There were times when I had to lay my body across his to get him to stop hurting either himself or someone else.  I am more than 4 times his body weight.

I applaud the staff for being upfront and calling to discuss the latest mood swings with me.  I explained a bit more about David’s history that they didn’t seem to grasp the day we admitted him.  Or maybe they just wanted to reserve judgement and see it for themselves.  I don’t know.

I appreciate candor.  When David was in full meltdown a staff member grabbed his arm to keep him from doing something.  What that was, I don’t know.  But…  having been there, I can only imagine.

One thing, I forget to mention that if he gets his mouth close to one of them while he is in meltdown, he will bite the hand that holds him.  Should I call and tell them, or let them experience it for themselves?

I think, I will let them know.  Full disclosure is my mantra where it comes to David.

On another note, through a friend, I am hoping to go out and visit David for a couple of hours in February.  It will be a quick trip, but so worth it to see my little boy.  I miss him.  As do we all.

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