The blog of Christopher Gullmans
As humans, there's nothing so recognisable as human suffering. We go through our lives with a constant bombardment of challenges, battles and misery, while trying to find those small oases of calmness in between. The extent of our perceived suffering depends entirely on circumstances, perspectives, and prior experiences. The sorrows of a child who's lost... Continue Reading →
Of course, not the people, but their hurtful words. As someone whose life didn't start out like that of the vast majority of people around me, it's not hard to see why people like me, i.e. adoptees, might want to shy away from being themselves. It's easy for many to say "of course you should... Continue Reading →
Let's get straight to the point here: having a disability doesn't mean you are completely helpless. It simply means that you are having to learn and do things a bit differently from those around you, and that's something I have come to learn is not a failure. On the contrary, it makes you more creative,... Continue Reading →
As I'm typing this on my phone in Amadeus' hospital room, my son is resting in his hospital bed, hooked up to a device that monitors his vital signs, while a soft "hisssss" can be heard from his oxygen mask. Meanwhile, my phone is buzzing left and right with congratulations on having been awarded 2023... Continue Reading →
I know where I was born, but I don't know where I come from. I know where I live, but I don't know where I belong. I know what I call home right now, but I don't know how to hold on to it. I dream of permanence, but is that just a figment of... Continue Reading →
Beat, little heart, your daddy's got you safe and sound, Let my arms be your fortress and your rock solid ground, That you may look upon the world not out of worry and fear, Knowing you can meet it head-on with love as your spear. Beat, little heart, show the world you've got what it... Continue Reading →
Sometimes, I think that I can be a bit unbearable with my positivity, particularly when I'm contemplating in text like I do here. But, I think it's worth taking a moment to explain where I'm coming from, because it's easy to have hope, faith and love when life goes well, but when life rears its... Continue Reading →
I'll be honest: When we first found out (prenatally) that our boy had Down syndrome, it was devastating. I had to fight my inner demons saying things like "what will the world think about him and us?", "What if I don't love him?" and "Will I be happy?". I think it's safe to say that... Continue Reading →
I can't believe I'm saying this, but having and raising a baby has been one of the easier parts of our three years of marriage. Today is our 3-year (leather) wedding anniversary (we got married on Feb 29, 2020), and it is quite remarkable how--in these three years--there have been so many life-changing events that... Continue Reading →
I know how this sounds, but bear with me. As I look back at my life, I see a pathological people-pleaser, literally unable to put his own needs first before helping others. While I theoretically knew I had a problem with this, somehow I also imagined myself being an endless source of helping hands. But... Continue Reading →
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