Most of us have had the experience of seeing the world through rose colored glasses. As much as I enjoy that privilege, I would prefer to see life through “Sandler colored” glasses. He has a one of a kind perspective; from seeing the beauty in a janky hotel, which would make the average guest consider wearing hazmat attire, to seeing life through a blind friend’s eyes, and viewing it as an incredible blessing. Whatever the case may be, it never ceases to amaze me that Sandler sees the good in every day experiences.

Read More

The big weekend had finally arrived. Sandler’s best friend in the whole wide world (his skate coach and mentor) was getting married. He had been anxiously awaiting the wedding weekend for months. He had carefully picked out the perfect outfit and had packed his suit case days before it was time to go. I do not know exactly what he was anticipating; he had not been to a wedding since he was a baby. But, I do know the event far exceeded his expectations.

Read More

I knew it was going to be a difficult recovery when the doctor said Sandler had to stay off the board due to his leg. I have been through many surgeries with the kid; even after having major procedures, he typically wakes up from anesthesia ready to rock-n-roll. Most doctors have discharged us early and wished me luck on getting him to follow any of the post-op instructions. Sandler also happened to come down with a 103 fever the day after his injury. On the bright side, the fever just about knocked him out, which kept his mind off of the fact that he could not skate.

Read More

Just when I was not sure what I was going to write about this week, Sandler took an awkward fall while trying a new trick and we ended up at the emergency room for seven hours. Unclear as to what is exactly wrong with his leg, the X-rays merited a splint, crutches, and a future appointment with an orthopedist. Receiving the news of his skating hiatus was absolutely devastating. However, his sense of humor and ability to keep an over worked ER staff laughing made the whole visit more bearable.

Read More

After several long weeks of together time and endless hours in the heat at the skatepark, the day eventually arrived—the first day of school. All the parents took their children’s photographs, with their perfectly quaffed hair and adoring smiles—as they posed arm in arm with their siblings—showing off their new school year attire. They were picture perfect. Meanwhile, I had my children capture a photo of me leaping through the air, with my arms expanded out as far as they would go, as a way of screaming—”Freedom has arrived!” As I compared my social media post with others’, I realized I have a different fondness for the institution of education.

Read More

The 80’s hosted a plethora of fashion, music, and movies that are surfacing quite a bit these days—though most of it is better left in that era. However, the 80’s also provided some a style that helped lay a foundation for the present and future of one of the most popular activities in the world: skateboarding.

Read More

I wondered how it was going to feel after experiencing the best week ever—having gone pro, turning twelve, visiting the Tony Hawk headquarters, and being in a music video. I found out really quickly that everything would return to normal and Sandler would go about his day annoying his sister, asking me unexpected questions, skateboarding endlessly, and slamming into the cement relentlessly only to pop back up and try again.

Read More

Just when I thought we had hit the highlight of the summer—after surprisingly turning pro the week before—Sandler’s twelfth birthday arrived. Much to my relief, we dodged the uncomfortable Chucky Doll themed festivities and went all-in with a Curb Cowboy skateboarding party complete with almost seventy-five attendees enjoying Sandlers best birthday to date.

Read More

Just like any typical day, I was out running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I was trying to accomplish as much as I possibly could while Sandler and his sister were enjoying the pig races at the fair. Those few moments of freedom came to a screeching halt when I was informed that something very big and special was about to go down at the skatepark. Naturally, Sandler’s presence was required immediately.

Read More

“The Sandlot” and “The Little Rascals” are just a couple of Sandler’s all time favorite movies. They both tell the classic story of a group of boys who get themselves in and out of trouble with teamwork and camaraderie. After watching each one a gazillion times, he often recites the lines and references the stories throughout the day. Not long ago I worried he would never know what it was like to experience such a bond with a group of kids. Not only were his peers few and far between, but invitations to get togethers and parties were nonexistent. That is until he found his people.

Read More