Sometimes, Even Superheroes Need Help (Update)

Update:  Earilier this week, we got word that Oren has stopped his treatment.  There's nothing else doctors are able to do. He has entered hospice and is spending his final days with his family. He might have weeks.  It might be just days.  But the inevitable is coming. At this point, it's a matter of trying to keep him as comfortable as possible.

Obviously, those of us in the dad blogger community are devastated.  I think many of us are at a loss for words to express how we're feeling. I wouldn't say that we're necessarily grieving just yet. If I could name any emotion, I think it would overwhelmingly be anger. A lot of times, the worst things happen to the best people. And, Oren really is a good guy.  Even as he's literally dieing, he's regularly taking time out of his day to help others. I don't know how were going to be able to let him go.

It looks as though the Give Forward page listed below is still active. If you have a moment, stop by and do what you can to help out Beth, Liam, and Madeline. The family will need money to cover medical bills and funeral costs.  Thank you.




Our children think their dads are invincible.  We are their superheroes.

They think that, regardless of our real abilities, we are faster, smarter, and stronger than any dad in the world.  My six-year-old daughter honestly believes that I'm bigger than the wrestlers of the WWE (I might be), I'm stronger than them (definitely not), and that I can beat any one of them in the ring (no chance in hell).

With all of the pride and self esteem our children bring us, we sometimes forget that we're human.  There are times in our lives where we need to admit that we can't always be Superman.  Every now and then, even superheroes need help.

No matter how strong we are, no one can go it alone all of the time.  There were times when even Superman needed the Justice League.  Occasionally, Batman needed help from Robin.  The X-Men had Wolverine's back on many instances in the comics.  Heck, even the 'Blind Side' kid needed Sandra Bullock.  There's nothing shameful in admitting defeat, or being vulnerable from time to time.  We just have to be strong enough (and honest enough) to be able to ask for help.

That is essentially what this post is about - helping.

A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of meeting Oren Miller.  Two years ago, he founded a group for dad bloggers on Facebook, as a way to support and encourage the growing number of dad writers online.  Today, nearly 800 members use the group as a way to share resources and ideas, along with tips and tricks of the trade. In the few short weeks that I've known these other dads, I have become a better writer, and a better father.  I consider these men my friends.  We share a common bond - a common goal - that is unique to only them.  And, I will be eternally grateful.

Late last month, Oren went to the ER, for back pain that he thought was a muscle spasm.  Instead, it turned out to be terminal cancer.  Doctors discovered Stage IV cancer in his lungs, kidneys, liver, lymph nodes, and his brain.  At best, he can expect to live another year.  He is currently undergoing radiation therapy, with the hope that he can at least slow the spread of cancer in his brain, long enough to be present and aware during the time spent with his family and friends.

A fundraising page was started, with the hopes of raising enough money to send Oren, his wife Beth, and their two children, Liam and Madeline, on a nice vacation.  As the fundraising progressed, it became apparent that funds would also be needed to pay for medical bills, and to help Beth and the kids in the weeks and months following Oren's death.

It's time to put on the cape and help another hero.

You can find Oren's fundraising page HERE.  Or, click the link on the right side of this page.

Please take a moment and donate to the fund.  You would be helping a man that helped so many other people. The dad blogging community and the Miller family thanks you.