I started this blog to talk to America.
I started this blog to show the whole country that 2 men and a child can lead a “normal” life.
I started this blog to show the parts of America that don’t see gay people on a daily basis that we are regular like you, that we can raise families just like you, that our problems are the same as yours. (And by that I mean after 18 years together gays can be as miserable as straights!)
I met my spouse through an ad in a local paper over 18 years ago. One thing that immediately bonded us was our desire to be parents. My spouse comes from a very large Italian family and sorely wanted his own. My family was not quite as big but I had always dreamed of being a parent and my younger brother had achieved that at 24 years old. Being an Uncle proved to be the tip of the iceberg of the feelings I found I had regarding babies and kids.
We had a lot of things to do in the interim living in a NYC studio apartment with very little income. My spouse went to law school, we paid off our debt, and we moved to a larger apartment. One of the reasons I share our adoption story on the blog is that while you often hear about adoption horror stories, you rarely hear about the successes. While it is never easy, it was not a very long process and we ended up being one of the lucky couples who got to be at the birth of our son.
Living in NYC, we found great acceptance of 2 men and a baby. Everyone we met greeted us with love and support. Finally we got to be in the club that you all knew about, the parenthood club. Its all we ever wanted.
So you see America, some gay people want nothing more than to be parents just like the straights. And not just so I have someone to wheel me around when I get too old to walk, and not someone to pull the plug on my life support other than a representative from the state. But to live in the love that is having a child. And he’s perfect by the way!
So here I am, a gay man in New York City. What is my life’s goal you ask? I am going to tell you even if you have no interest.
After watching the next generation come into the lives of my family and my spouse’s family, I realize my life’s goal is to become a grandpa. I saw the beauty of my own family when the first grandson was born, and again in my spouses family. That’s what I want to complete the circle of my life.
So, that is the point of the blog. We are not dramatically different types of people. We are married just like you and raising a family just like you. Enjoying the foibles of parenting in this great city of New York. Happy to see the government is finally getting close to equal rights for all of its citizens (we need the tax deduction!).
And then there are the by-products of the blog world!
You can get invited to a ton of fun events, from interviewing Kathie Lee Gifford, to hanging at the Disney Store with Jennifer Grey, the week after she won Dancing With the Stars.
It has been a great year. The blog has evolved quite a bit. Because I live in NYC, there are a lot of different events where I get to review things and attend fun events, and get fed some really good food! And it turns out that my 7 1/2 year old son is also a perfect blog assistant. He now attends all video events with me, as he is my video reviewer. And he does a great job. When he has his own blog I hope he remembers me!
I also get to go to several toy events throughout the year. Since all I do is shop for toys for my son, this is a perfect fit. Again, he does the reviews. And then we get to give away stuff. Toys for Tots also made out very well from us this year, that makes this even more rewarding.
So that is the life of a New York blogger. Parenting, product reviews, giveaways, just like a junior marketing firm. Fun celeb filled events. Additional opportunities to bond with my son as we can review events together.
And through it all, parenting. Trying to raise a son, the best way I can, in this multi-media, technology filled world. Laying the groundwork now so that he talks to me when he is a teenager! And sharing the best and also the challenging moments of that experience.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Happy New Year Mitch! It’s been wonderful getting to know you! Look forward to celebrating with you soon. HUG
What’s it like living in an apartment in NYC? I’ve always wondered that since I have spent my entire life in the suburban West and used to fantasize about living in some cool loft somewhere busy and professional. I wanted to be an attorney but ended up a mostly full-time struggling mommy instead! In any case, I enjoyed your post. 🙂 Found you through the Therapy Hop! Happy New Year!
Happy groovy New Years to you and yours~!!
Following from the Retail Therapy Lounge…ifn you have a moment please stop by my place and have a look around – Mad Moose Mama – http://www.madmoosemama.blogspot.com Have a groovy day…peaces…xoxo
I love your story! It’s always great to hear about the success stories! I’m glad I got to meet you this year! 🙂
Have a wonderful 2011!
I loved this post so much! You’re such an amazing person, I feel honored to have met you! You truly are one of the sweetest, kindest, most authentic people that I know. In 2010 we shared many fun and exciting blog adventures together…. I’m looking forward to seeing what 2011 brings us! (((hugs)))
My ex boss was a huge supporter of gay marriage. After his 3 failed marriages, he felt everyone should get to share in the misery! 😉 Following you from Retail Therapy’s blog hop and appreciate the follow back at http://east9thst.blogspot.com.
Much love!