MY LIFE
My son has autism Life lessons from Charlie Besser BY DAVID WALLACH
P
eople in the business world know Charlie Besser—founder, president and CEO at Intersport in Chicago—as a no-nonsense negotiator who doesn’t settle for second best. In his private life, Besser is a father of five, one of whom has special needs. He also happened to be my boss, and in April, I told him I needed to see him in his office. As we walked, Besser was unaware I wanted to talk to him not about business, but about parenting. Maybe it’s because he shares a name with my son, but once in his office, I began to cry. “My son was diagnosed with autism.” I began to sob as I said it again, “My son was diagnosed with autism and I have no fu**ing idea what to do!” This is the point where “Besser the businessman” became “Besser the father.” I explained how we had been going through tests, tests and more tests. I explained that my wife and I needed to declare that Charlie had autism to get the early intervention services he needed. I explained how I felt like this was somehow my fault, that I felt was a failure as a parent. Besser listened and then shared words I needed to hear: “You do and say anything you can to help your son. If you have to declare he
has seven noses and flies, then that’s what you do. Your job, your mission, your new goal in life, is to make sure your son has all the help he can possibly get and that you are always there to support him.” Besser offered me help, phone numbers, even had his wife call my wife. He assured me that the “diagnosis” is a starting point; now we could build on that for a better life for our son. Besser taught me so much during our conversation, but the one thing that rings in my ears is this: “Words are words; it’s your actions as a parent that matter. Set your pride aside and do what you have to. If you do that, you will never have regret.” At the beginning of June, my Charlie couldn’t say “Daddy” or look into my eyes. On a early October morning, he looked me in the eye, pointed and said, “That’s my daddy.”
He is still the same beautiful, funny, happy little boy he was before the diagnosis and the only one who doesn’t know he has “autism.” My son has autism. He is still the same beautiful, funny, happy little boy he was before the diagnosis and the only one who doesn’t know he has “autism.” Note: Although I no longer work for Besser, he and his wife continue to offer support to my family and countless others through their charitable involvement with Misericordia and other great causes.
SIBSENSATIONS PROGRAM FOR SIBS OF KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
SIBSENSATIONS gives siblings (ages 8-13) of children with special needs a chance to meet peers in a fun, friendly setting where they can share common joys and concerns. Through games, activities and discussions, they will form friendships, learn about disabilities and discover how to handle tough situations they all face.
847/392-2848 www.nwsra.org
PROVIDING OUTSTANDING RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES!
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Specıal Parent Winter 2016 CHICAGO
NWSRA Special Parent Ad 1-8 pg .indd 1
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When:
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Monthly meetings, please call for upcoming dates
Cost:
$10.00 per session, registration is required.
Where:
acktman Children’s Pavilion Y 1675 Dempster-Park Ridge, IL
Contact:
Kathryn Smart MS RN, 847-723-9484 Kathryn.smart@advocatehealth.com
| ChicagoParent.com 1/19/2016 10:47:25 AM
2/4/16 1:02 PM