Those who know me well, know that I’m extremely passionate about sports. I come from a family of six boys. My brothers and I live and breathe sports and have done so as long as I can remember. As many “obsessed” sports fans often do as kids, we would go out in the backyard and imitate our favorite players’ baseball swings during our typical made-up game of “Tennis ball with a whiffle ball bat.” We would one-bounce a tennis ball from a pretend pitcher’s mound to home plate. Almost like a game of Cricket. I was always Mike Greenwell, my favorite player on the Red Sox at the time. I had his stance and swing nailed down to a T. If we were playing football, I would pretend I was Drew Bledsoe, imitating his throwing mechanics while delivering the ball to my older brother Kevin, who would be doing his best Ben Coates impression catching and running with the football. Ben Coates was of course the star tight end playing for the Patriots during the 90’s era. My brothers and I had some wild games over the years, and some of them even ended in miraculous fashion where a “Hail Mary” was called upon to decide the outcome – à la the great Doug Flutie, who just so happens to be my Dad’s favorite football player of all-time. Ah, to be young again during the “dog days of Summer”. These are easily some of the childhood memories I cherish the most.
When Meaghan and I found out we were having a baby boy in the beginning of 2013, I was ‘over the moon’ with happiness. Not that having a baby girl at the time would’ve been any less exciting, but I had envisioned my son getting involved with sports at a young age, and hopefully enjoying playing them as much as I had. I’ve learned so many valuable life lessons from my time playing organized team sports. Teamwork, patience, hard work, discipline, dedication, leadership, and character are just some of the many qualities that can be derived from sports and then implemented in our everyday lives. Obviously if my son had other interests, I would totally be on board with whatever he was passionate about, and embrace it. However, looking back on it, maybe I was selfish thinking more about what “I” wanted and less about what would ultimately make him happy. The last 9 or 10 years have taught me a lot, and I’ve learned so much about myself during this last decade of my life. As I now enter my middle age years, the one thing that rings true above all else, which sounds cliché, but is so accurate - is that God really does have a plan for us all. One quote that I have gravitated to, especially in the really difficult times, is from Evangelical Pastor Greg Laurie, when he says, “God’s plans for you are better than any plans you have for yourself. So don’t be afraid of God’s will, even if it’s different from yours.” My son, Brooks Halliday Mullen is undoubtedly a gift from God. He has taught me to be a better husband and father. And that right there is invaluable, and what I cherish most in life. Brooks has many interests, but for those who have spent even a little bit of time with him, they know that one interest stands alone in bringing him the most joy in life. ELEVATORS. We don’t get out as a family a whole lot. We try as much as we can, and even set goals to challenge ourselves by doing family outings, because in the long run, we know that encouraging Brooks to extend himself and going outside of his ‘comfort zone’ will only set him up for success later in life. The anxiety however, can be crippling for our little fella (I say little, but he’s literally a giant in the making). His anxiety then becomes our anxiety, and as many parents of children with autism know, home is not only where the heart is, but it’s THE happy place, and safe zone – especially for Brooksie. When we do get out as a family, we have to plan accordingly, or else risk getting stuck for an entire afternoon or evening watching Brooks explore every nook and cranny of an Otis Series 7 elevator located in some random office building, or doctor’s office. All kidding aside, I love how this is a passion of his, and Meg and I (mostly Meg) have found ways to incorporate certain trips in our schedule so that Brooks can get his elevator fix. On special occasions, we even make plans to stay overnight at a hotel so that Brooks can explore the elevator without any time limitations or restrictions. It is definitely a sight to see watching how happy this makes him. Oh, and not surprisingly, we’ve been kicked out of more facilities than we can count for what some may refer to as "over-elevator-use."
When I look back to when we first began seeing signs of autism in our son Brooks, to now, I can see the progression and how far this amazing boy has come. We’ve been through the ringer and have explored many avenues - different therapies, medications, supplements, naturopathic physicians, coping strategies and more, in order to help our beautiful boy overcome his unique daily challenges and struggles. One thing is for certain, it is because of the variety of programs offered, the numerous therapies we have tried, and the overall support that has made such a difference. To say that The Flutie Foundation has been anything short of extraordinary in supporting our family, would be a massive understatement. I could not be more proud to be a part of this team. Your donation will continue to improve the daily lives of people and families affected by autism, and help them live life to the fullest. The Flutie Foundation provides direct financial support, which makes an immediate impact on families. Your generosity will provide tablets and assistive technology, camp and sports scholarships, help people with autism pursue their musical and artistic talents or ensure the safety of an autistic child by providing funding for a fence or GPS safety bracelet. The Flutie Foundation is committed to making a difference TODAY so people with autism can lead productive lives where they are included, respected and actively engaged in their community.
Let's help make the world a better place for all individuals and families in the autism community! Thank you all in advance for your support….I genuinely appreciate it!