Dad.

It’s a word that packs a lot of meaning. Ask ten people and you’ll get ten different answers. 

For me “dad” means parks, BELIEF, addiction, shame, money, entrepreneurs, possibility, Faith, challenge, change,  pain, joy, pride, hope, county fairs, success, failure, sacrifice, police cars, alcohol, screaming matches, forgiveness dolls, provider, numbing, generosity, escapism, creativity, potential. 

I grew up with an addict. It felt like I had four dads. And yet, amidst all the multiple personalities and transformations my dad has undergone, he’s managed to grow a business from measly to multi-million dollars a year with my mom. When I called halfway houses back in 2016, they were shocked that he could be such a high-functioning addict. “Truly remarkable!” one woman said.

I saw my parents spend 30 years growing a business. When I was Declan’s age my mom would pop me in the stroller and pass out flyers...