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Nathaniel's Story
Stepping up to the Plate for Autism By Melinda Copp
Noah, 17, is also a baseball player. He's a star catcher for his high school varsity baseball team and hopes to play baseball in college. He likes arguing politics and is very opinionated. And the youngest, Makrina, 13, is the social butterfly. She constantly has friends calling on the phone or knocking at the door right after school every day and all weekend. This tends to drive the rest of us crazy sometimes
"My favorite part of being a dad is spending quality time with my kids," Donch says. "Having a rewarding conversation with one of my kids that causes me to feel like they're developing into good, strong individuals who will have a good chance at leading fulfilling lives is what really makes me happy. I also get real joy out of the humorous things they'll sometimes say or do to make me laugh."
When Donch isn't busy with his kids, writing and work, he enjoys koi keeping.
"I've been reproducing these colored carp for a few years now as a hobby and selling them to other koi enthusiasts," Donch says.
Life is never without challenges, and living with an autistic child or sibling is never easy. But challenges make people stronger, and Donch hopes that his kids will learn how to use their own personal talents to make life easier for others.
"Although it's been difficult at times, Nathaniel has brought us great joy and has taught us all how to truly care for someone," Donch says. "His life and personal struggles have taught us to not take things for granted and to use what we've been given to be the best we can be, just as he does."
