Storytime with Chazark

  Yes, you read that right — single parents aren’t allowed to date. Too bad… haha just kidding! Of  course you deserve to date. Even though I’m not a big fan of dating talk, I had one of those self- reflection moments lately. I realized I never really had much luck with girls back in my childhood or  early adult years (my 20s and early 30s). But honestly, I’m grateful for all those rejections. If I’d  ended up in a serious relationship back then, I probably wouldn’t be in a good place now —  maybe even worse off. Being a single parent and full-time caregiver isn’t exactly my ideal situation, but I’ve learned to  appreciate the freedom and independence that come with it — something not every single dad gets to experience.  Meanwhile, most single dads are out here juggling child support, stressing over   alimony, fighting off financial obligations that threaten their stability, losing sleep, and still chasing  women like they’re in a reality sh...

  I could write about anything for my next blog, but tomorrow — October 15th — is my mom’s 60th birthday, so I’m dedicating it to her with a special memoir tribute.  I’m grateful to have had my mom, Earline, in my life for 40 years. I spent my first 18 years under her wing, went through a four-year transition period, and finally left the nest at 22. Mom had me when she was 19, so she built much of her life’s purpose around me — and, of course, her faith in Christ played a big part too. She became fluent in ASL, stayed deeply involved in the Deaf community, ran nonprofit organizations, and even met her husband, Jon, through my circle — in an ASL class at church.  Of course, over the years, her sense of purpose gradually evolved — shifting from being “Reggie-centered” to focusing on the broader Deaf community, especially after I left Florida in 2007. I’ll admit, I don’t know much about my mom’s childhood — and I wish I did. One day, when we finally get the chance to sit dow...