Another good post - thanks Wil.

That was really sweet Wil.

Lovely Wil, just lovely. I always like to hear when you talk about your stepkids. I'm not quite sure how the relationship dynamic goes when you have a stepdad, but the kids really seem to have taken you on as a father, even if you aren't their "father father". It's really cool to hear about it.

And just for the record, Rush most definitely does not suck. Under any circumstances. Period.

Excellent story! And for crying out loud, close the sweat shop, and my an AC for the house. And one more thing, is the carwash, like going on space mountain at Disney land, or is it like the old Capt. Eeo attraction.

Dude, you got some great kids, Wil. They obviously get a lot from you... except their taste in music. RUSH SO does not suck!

God, Wil. That's just amazing. I can only comment from the perspective of being a stepchild, and not a step-parent, but, man. That's just the world, right there. Thank you for sharing it with us!

Excellent story! And for crying out loud, close the sweat shop, and buy an AC for the house. And one more thing, is the carwash, like going on space mountain at Disney land, or is it like the old Capt. Eeo attraction.

Does this stuff really happen, or are you just making it up? Cause that's just absolutely precious...dear little heart.

i am sure that conversation went something like the one i just had with my roommate.

"erin, whats wrong?"
"nothing, i just read something that kinda got me right here" points in the general chesty area.
"is everything ok? email from a friend or something?"
"no" snivle "wil wheaton dot net, and a story he wrote today"
rolling of eyes "oh my lord."

I have an 8 year old step son, Wil, and I can relate to a lot of the things you've said about your relations with your stepkids. One funny thing though, is that Rush has been a means for Henry and myself to get even closer. He just absolutely loves them, probably as much as I do. I teach him how to play some of their stuff on the guitar. He likes to play the bass line from Tom Sawyer :) We're going to the Rush concert in San Diego on July 7th. They're doing a show in LA and Irvine too, in case you're interested.

Yeah, I love when you write about the boys. The stories you write about them tend to be my favorites.

I guess it's because you sound the most excited about the good times you have with them. Book deals and poker are cool things to get excited about too, but it's a different kind of excitement that I sense when you're writing about the boys.

I guess it's because your relationship with them is far more important than other 'things' that get you excited.

I wrote the word excited a lot.

Dude, that totally brought tears to my eyes.

I mean, no it didn't. I'm tough. Grr.

Wow.

That's just so wonderful!

*sniff*

Dammit, you brought tears to my eyes.

A modern-day warrior
Mean mean stride,
Today’s tom sawyer
Mean mean pride.

Though his mind is not for rent,
Don’t put him down as arrogant.
His reserve, a quiet defense,
Riding out the day’s events.
The river

And what you say about his company
Is what you say about society.
Catch the mist, catch the myth
Catch the mystery, catch the drift.

The world is, the world is,
Love and life are deep,
Maybe as his eyes are wide.

Today’s tom sawyer,
He gets high on you,
And the space he invades
He gets by on you.

No, his mind is not for rent
To any God or government.
Always hopeful, yet discontent,
He knows changes aren’t permanent,
But change is.

And what you say about his company
Is what you say about society.
Catch the witness, catch the wit,
Catch the spirit, catch the spit.

The world is, the world is,
Love and life are deep,
Maybe as his skies are wide.

Exit the warrior,
Today’s tom sawyer,
He gets high on you,
And the energy you trade,
He gets right on to the friction of the day.

And I was moved to tears....

Wil, that was a really great post. There are times when I can't imagine ever having kids, then I hear a story like that, and I'm not so sure anymore. On the topic of kids and the media, I actually just found a book about that in the library the other day. It was a really interesting read. It had several essays about the ways in which children interact with the media, either as passive "sponges" or as active decision-makers who can choose what the things they watch mean to them.

Anyone can be a father... but it takes a real man to be dad...

That's the sweetest thing.

And I hate Rush with the burning passion of a thousand fiery red suns. Yay for Anne, Nolan, and Ryan. ;)

Whoo! Cake!

It's true ... Rush really does suck.

Like, I'm a loyal Canadian, eh? So when somebody is dissing Rush, I have to step in. Definitely one of the most awesome power rock bands ever...and they came from a country with 1/10th the population of the US of A.

Cake rules...
:)

-mE

Hey, look at that, funny /and/ sweet... now I don't need any more M&Ms for the rest of the night. (good thing too, they ran out 3 hours ago...)

Great story. Thanks for the distraction.

Hey, look at that, funny /and/ sweet... now I don't need any more M&Ms for the rest of the night. (good thing too, they ran out 3 hours ago...)

Great story. Thanks for the distraction.

That's GREAT to hear about your connection with Ryan. My girlfriend's daughter Lindsay just turned 13 this past Sunday (THIRTEEN!!!!!!) she was 7 when Connie & I got together, and even though I KNOW that she loves me, she's 13, and therefore "Too Cool" to admit it. I hope that SOMEDAY she'll open up to me because that's one of the things that's been keeping Connie and I from getting married. I WON'T do it while Lindsay still sees me as some sort of "threat" to her, that I'm trying to take her mom away. I just gotta know man, HOW did you ever get through this in the begining? Thanks for letting me know that it DOES eventually get better though!

After being married to my best friend for 10+ years... at the beginning of this year we found ourselves unexpectedly (long story...) pregnant. Now, at best, we were kid "agnostic" and while we hadn't said the final no yet - we were pretty far along the path of thinking that we weren't going to have any kids. Being a mother is not something I ever wished or dreamed for... as they say, I must missed the maternal gene when it was being passed out... or something.

So now, I'm going on 4 months pregnant - I'm still apprehensive about what this is going to mean for me, my husband & I, and for the mini-human we will be introduced to in September and our lives. I'm daunted. When folks say "Congratulations!!!" - I diminutively reply, "um, thanks" and then silently to myself, "i think...".

This is going to be a whole new landscape and unlike anything I've ever done. I feel like I just got buckled into a rollercoaster ride that is the world's most terrifying and the cars are clicking their way up to the top of the first drop. I'm figuring, at this point, the best thing to do is raise my hands up in the air and SCREAM! All the while, my stomach is churning and I'm not sure I'm going to make it to the end of the ride... and yet while reading about your experience(s) with your stepsons... is one of the few places where I find hope and think - God I'm scared -- but -- I think it's going to be worth it.

Thanks Wil.

Okay, I'm just going to get this speck out of my eye...really, I'm not tearing up.

Aw, frell it - I'm buying Rush: Sprit of Radio on iTunes right now and grinning like an idiot at how sweet this story makes me feel.

I have always thought, or hoped, that parents know basically what they're doing and don't have any insecurities about their role as parent. Since I plan on having my own kids in a few years I'm beginning to see that you really can only learn parenting from experience and that it's going to be a hell of a ride. Your post really got me thinking about it, and I have to thank you for that Wil. It's nice to know parenting is going to have such touching moments, and that it won't all be about the cute.

But the cute will still be appreciated, of course.
Cheers

Great post. I laughed, I cried; I tried to do both without making any noise (@ 1am), resulting in minor stomach pain...

And Rush is awesome (I get that from *my* mother)

Okay, after reading that, I had no choice but to switch to my terminal window and execute the commands:

erbo@cerebro:~$ cd /network/MP3_2/Rush/
erbo@cerebro:/network/MP3_2/Rush$ mpg123 Limelight.mp3

Great story, Wil. If I were ever a parent or stepparent (highly unlikely), I would consider myself fortunate to do half as well as you do. (But Rush is awesome, and don't you ever let Ryan convince you otherwise.)

[4:22] Decoding of Limelight.mp3 finished.

Whats with your uncanncy upbeatness? I want to see some negative Wheaton.

Wil, you have wonderful sons there. They're great.

But they're completely wrong about Rush. I mean, totally out in left field.

Hey Wil, that was a great story. While everyone is talking about music, I have a question. I was just listening to "The Moebius" by Orbital. I'm studying, so I wasn't listening too hard, but there are two voices in the song. One is Michael Dorn doing Worf. I could swear that the other is you. True?

Also, I still have to comment on your great interview with Bob Rivers. Bob wasn't so hot, but you were great. Any appearances up in Seattle soon?

Wil,
Hold those moments close to your heart, because as a parent you know they are few and far between. Kids are awsome, they can make you feel completely stupid and then turn around and make you feel like you rule the world, but that is just a mother speaking. Hold them close while you can, because one day they will fly away.

*grin* see all of us back here sobbing, wil?
shiver me timbers, boy, ye can write. moreover, that makes people care.
that can change the world.
but you knew that.

You know, I've never really heard Rush to be able to say whether I think they're good or not... but I love Comfort Eagle with a passion. So I don't know about your taste in music, Wil, but I do know that your boys have it going on. :)

Ah Wil, I love it when you write about the fam.

*sob, sniff*

That was just too ...too cute for words. I know you would like to be manly and all, but I just loved that... you are such a pie! :)

Oh that is wonderful!! It makes it all worth it in the end, huh?

hey wil,
that was such a lovely bit of writing! i was explaining to my friend yesterday why i love your writing so much, and the only way i could describe it is that you put people right there with you. i mean, i was sat in the back of that car, listening to you guys! i love it.

thanks for sharing wil,
brought tears to my eyes!
take care
rach

Thats so awesome Wil. Ryan and Nolan are so lucky to have you in their life, and i know its really cheesy and corny and all the other veggie-processed foods to say...but its the truth.

limelight is perhaps my favorite rush song. wicked.

tell them to listen to it a few times. it'll grow on `em. just like the band yes.

Do you need any further proof that THOSE BOYS LOVE YOU, Wil?

What a story; I am so happy for you.

Your two biggest fans are expecting a D&D game very soon. And 50,000 monkeys are looking forward to hearing all about it.

A few weeks ago I knew nothing about "serious poker" and next-to-nothing about Dungeons & Dragons. One course down, one to go, Professor Wheaton!

Classic, Wil.

Maybe we should take up a collection...to get....an air conditioner for Wil's house. :}

hehe

That is absolutely beatific.

See, this is one of thie things that RAWKS (to steal your word O monkied one) about you. You have a succesful book. You're writing another. You have something goin for you! And yet, what makes you emotional to the point you dedicate a whole entry to it? Nolan and Ryan. :) Wow. You're a awesome actor and writer but more importantly I what I take from your blog is your also an awesome person which rawks even harder than the other two.

:) Awesome Wil.

---Jason--

Act like the typos aren't in the above comment. lol

Wow. Now that was a narrative. Kudos to all three of you for the forward progress.

You're now officially a part of them. A part of who they are. You've given your humor and your sense of writing to your stepson. Rush? Well, kids can't be perfect, you know? Geddy Lee is an acquired taste to the kids these days.

I just hope I'm not the only one who sees another book in the works here...

Subtle hint: "Doug, get off the juice."

You know, now that I think about it...

While we're on the subject of power rock, why not hip them to some power metal. Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, maybe even some Megadeth. Let them now what it truely feels like to just let go and rock hard.

I thank Canada for many things daily. For Mario Lemieux, who saved my beloved Penguins, and for hockey itself. For good beer, and for it's many, many tundra hotties. But above all things, O' Canada, I thank you for the ultimate awesomeness that is RUSH. Rockin', eh!

The Hero

The times we have are few, and they should be valued. Never forsake those whom you love in your life, for they are the ones who will carry you in your time of greatest need. Like those who have come before, lets us hold onto the hope that one day we will all see each other again. Let us hope that we have the knowledge to repair that, which is broken, and forever forge on into stories of legends.

Heroes come in all forms, and it is sometimes the smallest that prevail, and shine through the darkest times. I shall walk with you into death, and accompany you into the halls of heroes. And they shall call your name from the highest mountain, and it will be heard from one end of the world to the other. They will call you friend…

Monuments shall be fashioned where your boots have trod, and your deeds will be taught in the halls of learning. For you have brought peace, and restored the light that had faded.

Perhaps this is how your boys will think of you... :)

Orbital: Moebius: Worf and LaForge

Wil writes, "Ryan's never told me that he gets anything from me."

A car wash epiphany...

Now, if THAT isn't an example of life being something that suddenly happens when you're doing something else.

And, of course, you tell it so well.

Wil,

Your entries to do with your step-kids always have a special resonance with me. I ended up with a step-dad when I was 13 who's had a huge positive influence on me, although I didn't realise it until recently. It's always fun when we're sat around the dinner table together or talking around the fire on a winter evening and he'll smile and say "You get that from my side of the family" jokingly.

He never tried to replace my Dad and he never will but as I grew into a man he helped me become the kind of man I wanted to be.

When I read about you and your relationship with Ryan and Nolan I can see that you're having that kind of an influence in their lives and it makes me smile and get a little misty-eyed at the same time. Whether or not you're their biological parent, you're an excellent father Wil an I'm sure that as Ryan and Nolan get older they'll begin to realise (as I have) what an amazing thing that is.

I only hope that if I'm lucky enough to have a family one day I can be half the parent you are.

Amazing story. If you want some good references for the popular culture argument, I teach classes i n the subject . . .

It wasn't until i was an adult that it dawned on me how many hurtful things i said to my parents as a child. I hope that I unwittingly said a lot of really amazing things too. Although I'll never know - neither of my parents have a weblog ;-)

Kids sure have the ability to say powerful things! I realized when I was halfway through college that I'd lost my childhood and become an adult. I was babysitting 3 kids one summer and they would say the most shocking things, whether funny, clean, dirty, nice or mean! I don't remember saying half the stuff they did (or even hearing it) but perhaps that's b/c I prefer to think that I was some kind of "innocent" (despite the fact that I know quite for certain that I was a monster).

About the media influence debate, you've got some sharp stepsons! I remember listening to Britney Spears "Oops I did it Again" in a McDonald's when it had recently come out and I was disgusted (I was in college at the time, so I'm not *that* old, yet...). I've never been into watching MTV or VH1 very much, so I don't pay attention to videos. But a coupla weeks ago I went to a dance club and they were playing on a huge screen a video collection of Britney Spears stuff (ssshhh! don't tell anyone, I'd never be able to live that down). For the first time ever, I saw her video for that song and my jaw dropped to the floor. One should never see children saying (or singing) the words, "I'm not that innocent." My heart cried.

fin.

Good for you, Wil. I'm very glad for you and your family!And as always, a great relation of the story!
May things only get better. And WooooHoooo on the "lots of work" !!

Fantastic! Blood alone does not make a parent. Guidence, patience, love and understanding, that is a parent, step or not.

Rush Rules!!!!! My favorite band, going on tour THIS SUMMER near you, I already have my tickets for Indy and Wil they will be in California from July 5th through the 12th, I am sure you can win the boys over with taking them to this 30th Annivesary show!!!

I took my boy (11) to his first Rush concert in 2002. Now I still buy 2 tickets to their shows but the wife doesn't have to come. Just me and my boy!!!!

What you own is your own kingdom
What you do is your own glory
What you love is your own power
What you live is your own story

In your head is the answer
Let it guide you along
Let your heart be the anchor
And the beat of your song!

Sweet kids.
Deffinately in need of music education, though it can be argued that Rush is geared towards the techy crowd, like Voivod.
Ah the memories of music at that age. My older brother playing Dead Kennedy's and Suicidal Tendencies at top volume, but turning it down at the sweary parts so his kid sister wouldn't be corrupted.

Wil,

It's heartwarming to see a man that really "get's it". My ex has not seen our 13 year old son since Dec 27th. He can't "handle it". Not the first time he has pulled this, and each time is that much more devastating than the last, to my son.

So you see, fathering a child doesn't qualify you as a 'Dad'. But you, you are a Dad. A very special awesome Dad. You really "get it".

Great story. Just try remember this moment when he's 15 and you want to throttle him! Kids can lift you up so high with a word or a hug, they can also make you ask yourself "What the hell was I thinking?!"

Cheers

Sharfa

Rush sucks?! *sigh* Kids today! I guess you can't win all the time...

My wife's not a Rush fan either, so I take every opportunity to crank it up myself.

speaking as both a stepdaughter and as a wicked stepmother (a role i cherish), you ROCK!!!!!!

Kids. They can make you feel like Solomon...
sometimes. Those are the moments we live for.
You are a good Dad.

What an awesome story! As I wipe tears from my eyes. I have a 2 1/2 year old son. I'll count myself very lucky indeed if we have a conversation like this when he's Ryan or Nolan's age.

wow! I have to say it always amazes me how moving your dialogues with the boys are.

That was a moment in time that you have now preserved forever in story form and I can't help but wonder if Nolan and Ryan will read this some time in the future and THEY will get tears in their eyes. :)

wow! I have to say it always amazes me how moving your dialogues with the boys are.

That was a moment in time that you have now preserved forever in story form and I can't help but wonder if Nolan and Ryan will read this some time in the future and THEY will get tears in their eyes. :)

Sorry, but I gotta get behind the kids on this one, Rushs sucks. I can't deny their musical talent, but when you use that talent to make crappy music, you suck. =)

Hehe, I wouldn't *really* say they suck, it's just the fact that I can't stand to hear it.

As a new stepfather, I am moved by that narrative. I've had a few little moments like that and it's great hearing from someone else in similar circumstances. Great piece.

waaaahhhh...you totally made me cry, Wil! Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with your boys...you're not just a cool stepdad, but a great father......

Great...now I have that song "At The Car Wash" going through my head.

Inquiring minds also want to know what magazines Wil is going to be writing for!

Nice! I give it 3 erections. Was the Mexican place El Coyote? That place rocks! You know what's good is that Molly Hatchet.

I LOVE Comfort Eagle - my wife and I sing that song together in the car.

You can dress up like a sultan in your onion-head-hat.

I echo many of the above sentiments (and, when it comes to Rush, they TOTALLY rule.)

But I seem to have missed something about the writing: monthly columns *where*? Bi-monthly columns *where*? I don't think you told us those stories, dude!

You've influenced your readers with this website. For example, speaking of Symphony in C, I picked up Comfort Eagle based on your recommendation over a year ago.

And now, I can, indeed, dress up like a sultan in my onion-head hat.

I think for some, the mention of Rush is the most important part of Wil's post. The others have children.

As a cool Canadian, Geddy Lee sang the theme for The Great White North on Bob & Doug McKenzie's album. Ten bucks is ten bucks, eh!

Take off, to the Great White North
Take off, it's a beauty way to go

And yes, I own that album ::head hangs with shame:: He did pretty for a guy who could only figure out a guitar with four strings.

my husband and i have been talking about adopting kids when we're ready for them. a lot of people don't really understand how you could value raising children who aren't biologically yours as much as you would value raising ones who are. well, reading your posts about your stepsons just reaffirms that love is the most important thing, not genes! thanks =)

Wil, you join the ranks of one of the luckiest men on the planet.

I'm starting to think that perhaps we shouldn't be so surprised when children exhibit signs of deep thinking. It seems they're perfectly capable of it when they put their minds to it.

Last night I went to a local garage to get my oil changed. I like this place because it's family owned and they seem to be the most honest garage I've been to in this city.

As I waited in the reception area, one of the family members argued with her nine-year-old daughter about doing her homework in a combination of Arabic and English. I didn't catch every word, but the argument for homework is ageless and beyond the boundaries of language or culture.

I ended up having a conversation with the mother while the girl completed her homework. When she finished, she gave her mother her binder and went upstairs. The mother allowed me to read the girl's homework.

I wish I had copied down what the girl had written. It somehow encapsulated what goes through just about every child's head as they progress from wanting to please their parents to wanting to be an individual. It was simple, yet in few words captured so much.

Kids only surprise us because we expect so little from them.

Oh Geez, I had to break out the kleenex. Thanks for telling it from the heart. What a gift you've been given. Even though I am older than you, you could be my stepfather any time you want.

1) First Time Commenter / Long Time Reader

2) Rush RAWKS!!!!11!1

3) I am a 37 year-old stepdad of two kids, an 8 year-old girl and a 12 year-old boy. I'm also a stay-at-home dad, (or as I like to label myself, a housewife). My life is dedicated to my kids and my wife and to their happiness. While I have a great relationship with my kids, there is a gap. They already have a dad, who is by-and-large a good dad. I purposefuly promote their dad as cheif cook and bottlewasher, even though in reality I fulfil these duties. I never want the kids to think that I am trying to replace their father. But boy, does that suck. I want to be their dad in the worst way, but I'm stuck in Stepparentia. To all the non-step-dads and -moms out there, Wil tells it like it is. To Wil, let me just say thanks for putting a face to unselfish, unconditional loving parenting.

Aww Wil, that's so great.
You have me wiping tears from my eyes at work.

This is why I come here everyday. Moving and yet funny stories. What makes them so powerful is not just what happened, but how you felt about it and how clearly you can make us feel it too.

That's the gift of a true writer.

And I have to say, I remember from being a kid, there was nothing more fun than when you could talk your parents into doing something (like skipping out on cooking a healthy meal or staying out a little later) that they wouldn't normally agree to. Sort of offers a glimpse of them as real people, instead of just Mom and Dad, something I didn't manage to understand until I was much older!

And I'm with everyone else...where are these monthly columns going to be?

You must be doing something right. Whatever it is, keep up the good work!

} {
^_~

Anne and the boys don't like RUSH??? And I thought they were such nice people...

Some of Neil Peart's lyrics are even more relevant today:

"Those who know what's best for us
Must fight to save us from ourselves."
--Witch Hunt

The spouse just suggested we go to the 30th Anniversary tour concert up in Concord on Saturday 7/10, maybe stay overnight up there. Damn, now I remember why I love the numbskull...

Great connection with the kids though -- it reminds me of the line, "Any idiot can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a dad." You're doing one helluva job, Wil...now get off your ass and finish planning the D&D adventure! *grin*

Hey Wil, very good post. I wish you the best of luck getting A/C installed before the summer! When I had my house in Henderson, it came pre-installed...it's just NOT an option for the Vegas area. Of course, it does drive up your electricity costs some, but what can ya do? My current residence, in Wisconsin, has a wall A/C unit installed. It does fine cooling down the main living area, but it does very little for the bedrooms...and believe it or not, it does get kind of hot and humid here in the summertime. Anyway, I'm glad you're getting along well with your family...your stories about them are some of my favorites, so thanks for sharing.

Thanks for bringing tears (again). A couple days ago, my 4 year old son, mostly a momma's boy until recently, started peeing standing up. We asked him why and he said in his sweet little voice, "cause I want to be like Daddy". That was it for me. When he was in the womb, we would rock out to Tom Sawyer and he would kick (or maybe he was throwing the goat). Now we rock out to RUSH and he does a cool "spaz dance". Kids rule, RUSH rocks !!

Wil,
Thank you so much for writing that story. Thank you for having this weblog. It's my absolute favorite and I look forward to it everyday and when you write stories like this I like it even more. Rock on!

You've probably answered this before but do teh boys know about your blog and how to access it?

Wonderful story. Just.. wonderful.

And finish the adventure, dang it :O I want to hear about your first 'behind the screen' experience. :)

I think one of the things that makes you a good stepdad is the conversations you have with the boys and the fact that you really listen to what they have to say.

Now then, what's the deal with the magazine columns? Details, por favor!

Wil,

Not sure of your boys' age, but don't worry, Rush'll kick in about 14, 15-ish.

No way they'll be able to resist The Red Barchetta while they're working on their drivers permit! :)

Or The Trees, especially if they've seen the LOTR trilogy...

Or, they'll just Rock Out to YYZ !!!

Kick. Ass.

Wil,

I love reading about you as a dad. I have a 15 year old stepson. I adopted him last year, so now I get to delete the "step" part. I haven't gotten him into my favorite band, Rush...yet. But, he is totally hooked on one of my other faves, Iron Maiden, and we rock out to the "Powerslave" album on a daily basis.

I can tell that you aren't just a "step-dad," but a parent. That is about as cool as you can get in my book. Rock on, Crusher!

Wil that is awesome. I have two stepchildren as well and I can remember the first time the called me dad. Recently one of them asked me why I don't adopt them as I'm more of a dad then their real dad has ever been.

I know how you feel. Don't let the bridge fall away. It will sway in the wind and twist and turn, but the bridge will always be there for you to walk across.

That's awesome. Congratulations, Wil. I sometimes wonder if my stepdad thinks about that stuff. And i know i get a little lump in my throat when my parents are going out and John ruffles up my hair and tells me to be good while they're gone. It's nice. Actually, it's really nice.

PS. I also cry when ordering The Works at the carwash. It's a beautiful moment. Give in to it.

A

That reminded me of some stories from "Chicken Soup for the Father's Soul"! Aren't kids just Amazing?!

Wil would you hurry up and finish that adventure? I REALLY want to hear all about your first session... oh, and don`t worry about not getting it all done.. in my experience D&D adventures always take way longer to complete then you think they will... especially when you have new players! Just jump in and giv`er!

Wow, my wife hates Rush too. As well as the Grateful Dead, Phish, and just about every other CD I choose to play in the car. Except the Beatles. I can get away with the Beatles just fine.

Told you they see you as a parent.

:)

Thanks for sharing. Great story.

Ok I had to come and read this again because I liked it so much. I love how you do dialog, and you know Anne's heart has got to be just melting everytime she reads the things you write about the boys. You should write for some of the blended family sites, they need upbeat stuff more often :)

As a brand-spankin' new step-mom to 2 little boys, I loved your post. And as a former Wesley Crusher infatuation junkie who recently found your site, I love your blog. Thanks for all the work you put into it, and all kinds of good wishes for the best of luck in your future endeavours.

I have to add, like so many others, you seem to have a great wife and two great step-kids and I'm happy for you, but Rush abolutely ROCKS!!!! Hey... nobody's perfect.

That is the coolest blog I have ever read.

In fact, that is one of the coolest stories I have ever read.

I look forward to reading your book! Thanks for writing-

-Tom

Do Ryan and Nolan read WWDN? If they don't, it will be an incredible gift the day when they start to, and they can see them selves growing up through your eyes, and see how much you love them.

Scott

PS, I understand the confusion here. I think what they were trying to say is that Rush Limbaugh sucks. It's a cryin' shame when astute political commentary gets mistaken for blasphemous musical commentary.

There are people who don't like Rush!?!?!? Consider yourself lucky, my husband likes country! *insert gagging smiley here*

What a wonderful story! I really can't add anything else that hasn't already been said. I only had horrid, negative experiences with my step-dad, thank god he's out of our lives now. You truly are a wonderful person Wil!

Oops, forgot to mention:

When they boys are old enough, introduce them to Queensryche.

Awesome, Wil! Your entries revolving around those two boys always astound me. You are a great "step-father"....but an even better "dad" to those kids.

That's awesome! I think they might like being with you a lot too, even if they don't say it in so many words. Affection and "I love being with you" isn't in their emotional spectrum at this time in their life, but they feel it (and will understand it later) all the same.

Congratulations, again!

Nothing personal because I think Wil is one of the coolest...but...(and you just saw that coming I bet), much of his blog posts seem written in straight to book form.

Prior to 'Dancing Barefoot' it didn't seem that way. The posts were more casually written but now there is more form... structure to them.

It's as though WW isn't just relating happy little events in the Wheatoniverse but posting excerpts from a book in production.

I found you site via another Anne and have this to say:

1) Wesley Crusher rocked
2) Anyone who marries an Anne is cool in my book
3) Your writing is witty and interesting and I'm glad I cruised in
4) Being a step parent also I can releate to this too!!

Have a happy weekend!!

You have really good taste in music... you introduced me to a lot of good bands when you said about liking the online station The Paved Earth. It's always great when you have a breakthrough with a family member, I'm still trying to have that with my mother.

I can't believe I started crying when I read this. Wow, Wil, you've brought me to tears. What a wonderful moment with your stepkids. All kids should have a father that makes them feel this loved and secure. Many of us did not hit the parent lottery and get this from our birth fathers. How lucky Ryan and Nolan are to have this in you as a step parent.

By the way, I have to agree with Anne. Rush reminds me of someone stabbing a blunt instrument into my ear canal. Otherwise, I'm with you, babe.

it seems you are excelling in the most important role you have ever played...don't wait for a nomination from the academy for this role...sounds like you're winning the best awards at home.

I like how your writing really reflects your personality and allows me to feel like I know you and recognize you. It's intimate, revealing and brave. Thanks.
p.s. tried to buy your book this weekend... not in any local stores. had to order it. got grouchy about that.

Half the time I read your blog, my mind's eye conjures up an image of a kid in a now old sci fi tv show. I read it sometimes, and see a kid in a Stephen King movie, whose CHARACTER can write.

In the movie "Parenthood", Steve martin's caracter is in danger of being overwhelmed with all the issues of a parent, uncle, step father, husband, brother, etc etc. His mother, who is played as being totally spaced, tells him about a time when she loved to ride roller coasters. She relates how you never knew what to expect nex, up, down, left, right, and that was the greatest part. Intially, Steve dismisses her story as just more rambling, but, then he starts to really listen, and begins to understand what she is telling him,life IS like a rollercoaster, in some respects, cuz, you never know what to expect. Welcome to space mountain, Mr W!

btw- Rush does not, in any way shape or form, suck.....

bbtw- the funniest scene in "Parenthood"? definately the blackout- nuff said....

Stop making me cry! (Meant in a totally joking, you're such a damn good writer and I love hearing about your kids, kind of way)
I mean, reading posts like this, I am totally proud of Ryan and Nolan-- and I've obviously never even met them. It's just hearing about them here they sound like such wonderful kids and its so great to hear about you talk about them with such pride and caring and all that good stuff.
You rule. 'Nuff said.

I had tears when I read you're entry today. I've never had a father and I have never seen where a father fits into a family, but reading you're anidotes has made me realise how a father fits into a family and has made me more determinded that there is a father in my future family....

You are a true insperation....

(Excuse spellings, but my eyes are rather wet, and they won't seam to dry!)

Spikexx
1.13am
20th March 2004

That was really, really sweet, Wil :) That sounds lame, but I can't think of anything else to say...

Rush does suck! Both the band, and the radio personality.

Cake rules, especially for longer car trips. I recognized the song name before I even got into the post. Which was good, btw.

Comment 123ish, but I don't care. Wil, do you need anymore evidence that you are adored and appreciated? I think not. Lovely story.

Wil,

Thanks so much for a wonderful, personal post.
You make me feel like I am part of your family.
I guess I am just an old fart when it comes to music--I am a fan of Strauss and Mozart; and Rush
just means Limbaugh.

And your story brings to mind another story (please bear with me):
An Ensign and a Captain were together in a shuttlecraft and the Ensign says, "Captain, didn't
you ever wish you had kids of your own?"
And the Captain says, "Wishing doesn't make it so." Remember those lines?

Peace to you and Anne and Nolan and Ryan.

Freeman :)

Awwwww ... that's so sweet! That story totally made my day. Happy families make me happy too.

That's the fun of being a parent (even if it's only as a stepfather) - those little moments when you are able to bond.

Do you remember the BBC series "The Tripods"? It was based off the popular young adult book trilogy by John Christopher, includes "The White Mountains", "The City of Gold and Lead" and "The Pool of Fire." with a more recent prequel called "When The Tripods Came", detailing the tripod aliens arrival on Earth a century before "The White Mountains".

IF you can find the DVD of season one of "The Tripods", it could be another one of those cool programs to show Ryan and Nolan. The DVD is in Region 0 PAL format, so you may need special equipment to see it on an NTSC television. On the other hand, Region 0 PAL DVD is playable on any computer.

Unfortunatly there is no release yet of the second season, and as you may recall BBC cancelled "The Tripods" before their third and finalseason for no real reason, despite a peak of 9 million viewers in the ratings.

Jim Baker, the actor who played Henry Parker, Will's cousin, has set up his own website to help put pressure on both the BBC and Second Sight Video to release season two of "The Tripods" on DVD.

Visit Jim Baker's website at http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ican/G380

Great post Wil, you know you really are like Gordie Lachance is Stand by me in so many ways. I know this is a little off topic but I found out like last week that Jonathan Bendis passed away, and River Phoenix, passed away way to young, why do all the amazingly attractive celebrity guys pass away so young? :( It must've been so awsome to know him Wil. So is it warm in California? Just had a snow storm here in New York. By the way how old are you're stepkids? and what's with the new code thing?

those are some rockin tunes, I can't beleive your kids think they suck!

Somehow, I knew you were a fellow Rush fan, Wil.

Somehow I just knew. :)

Nice post, and BTW: I feel for your non-AC-havin' ass. Spending this past winter without a working heater sucked just as bad as getting heatstroke in the comfort of your own home.

Wil,
To most younger people RUSH is just a band for old people. To some of us old people they are like mozart. From a certain point of view, it is all cool.

FG

I recently gave my mom those same tears when I realized that, now that I've gone back to college, I actually do have some artistic talent... soley from her. I know how much it means to her... but, I wouldn't have 15+ years ago. That's for sure. Some day, I hope the boys will realize just how important they are to you. Thank you for, once again, touching my heart with such a beautiful entry.

Interesting. Just glanced over the whole site, and the latest poker blog. You may be as weird as I. Cool. There's too few of us.

Then I read this blog, and realized maybe there's hope for even the inverted double-helix moebius Klein bottle minded as well. (That's intended as a rueful sorta-compliment.) Sounds like you're doing well.

Can't leave without thanking you for the .wav. Why? 'Cause He Who Must Be Obeyed While Chortling Maniacally said to. (If you can't figure out who I am (Fairly easy problem), Illiad can tell you.

I'm sure my post will be lost admist all these others, but I can't help but say something.
That was so incredibly sweet. Hell, I practically burst into tears when I read what Ryan said about getting things from you.
I just want to say that while I enjoy all your posts, from the poker stories I don't get to the Tolkien geekery, I love the ones about you and the boys the best. It warms the cockles of my heart to see you bonding to well with these kids.

Warms the shit out of my cockles.

That's wierd. I just bought that Cake album the other day. I read the title of your entry and thought hmmm.. Cake. Turned out I was right.

Wil,
What a great story... but I'm not supposed to be teary while trying to sell phones! Those are such great kids- you are trully blessed.

Gods now everytime I have the AC on I'm gonna flashback to the AC scene in Dogma and think about you. Argh!

If a collection goes up for the AC my money will be in it.

-mkf

By the way..."Python" is going to be on the Sci-Fi channel @ 1:00 P.M. Pacific Standard Time. If you'd like to see Wil get eaten by a giant genetically-engineered mutant Python, then be sure to tune in. I know I'll be watching. hehe

I'm sure you know that Geddy Lee was born on July 29th also. Rush is one of my all time favorites too. Loved the story. --The Disneyland girl (who also shares your birthday :))

I don't know how you're able to write things in ways that can move me so much.. and obviously others as well. I guess you just have a gift.

Thank you for sharing that gift with us.

I almost wanted to cry reading that story!!! You got amazing sons, Wil! (I think it is ok to call them your sons now.)

Ugh, I hate getting in the 140th comment... you probably stop reading after the 60th, heh. But man, I aspire to write even a 10th as well as you do about things like this. You're an awesome storyteller (true stories, even!), and we can all tell, an even better father. Keep it real.

And RUSH = \m/!!

That was nice Wil.

I've got a stepdaughter and it has been tough trying to get that "extra" connection that is there automatically if you're a biological parent.

Congrats.

John John

\o/

Tripods! That's it! Thank you Rocknar. I've been trying to think of that series for weeks. Rush always reminds me of those books. Not the best writing as I remember, but memorable, obviously.

Wil,
I have to say that I haven't been on the site for awhile. My wife was surfing and leaned over and said that I NEED to go check out WWDN now. I'd been in kind of a snit most of the day, having been on the spot at noon on Ticketbastard.com to get my tickets to see Rush in Milwaukee in June. Didn't matter, ended up getting some moderatly crappy tickets. The thing is that I'm taking my 10 year old daughter to her first concert, and this being my 10th time seeing them, I wanted to be much closer. Long story short, Thank You for making me smile! That is a wonderful story. Take the boys and go see The Boys this summer there in S CA. No guarantee that they will tour again....
Thanks again,
YYZ

That so Rocked. Yes that did. Also glad to know that you are busy writing. OT: but, does this mean that you have given up acting? I'm selfish to say- but, I really hope not, your too good to lose. OT:-Again, but, did Keith Coogan say that you were on the scifi network at 1:00pm- PST? Damn it.

Wil, you seem like a great parent. Also, Rush rules. :)

I, like many others, can only speak as a step-daughter and not as a step-anything else, but I know I certainly got a LOT from my step-dad:

1. Writing style
2. Intellectual interest in film
3. Anal-retentive attention to mix CD detail
4. Appreciation for art museums

I also know my step-dad's taken a few things from me, mainly my indie rock collection ^_~, but there are some things on which we will never agree (for instance, he used to call UPN the "Bad Skin" channel because of Star Trek *sighs and shakes head*). Honestly, though...for all my daughterly angst, my parents--all three of them--raised me well. Step-parents are no less important to a child's life than their real parents, and I'm glad that you are able to see them as both yours and children. All five of you (dogs should always be included in the family count ^_~) are truly blessed.

Wil, I'm not trying to suck up to you or anything, but, do you realize that you are doing a fantastic job? For kids, it's usually a constant struggle to be loyal to the "blood father", and more of a hard time for the step father? You are doing a fantastic job. Nver forget that.

Ever. I'm not sorry for the double post. :0

i've been silently following your blog from the other side of the world for months now. i really, truly admire you for being as comfortable as you are in expressing what you feel. ryan and nolan are indeed lucky to have you, both as a stepfather and as a friend. =o)
it's posts like this that makes a truly good blog. do keep on writing... =o)

Stepparent or not, always remember how important you are to these children. They may not always be able to express it, but they love and appreciate you more than you could ever imagine!

Maybe if you played "Subdivisions" they'd like Rush. Anyways...cool and heart warming post. ;)

Wil honey,
Please stay away from those Mexican places. You know those people carry switchblades in their boots and the food makes those horrible skidmarks in your underwear. You know how tired I get just scrubbing them out. And stop listening to that horrible rock music. What happened to the Perry Como record I gave you for Christmas?

Wil;

I know from where you come from. I have two step children whom I love tremendously. After years of being married to their mother, and they out on their own, finally, we seem to be coming together. It is a heart wrenching experience.

Bernie

You are such a cool Dad. Kudos to you and your lucky family!!

Reading that post makes me want to have kids. If only to have someone to play D&D with.

As a child, and a young man, I never had a good relationship with my father. Once, when I was 15, and caught lying about being caught smoking in the boys room, my father went overboard, and my switching, in the woodshed, became a beating. I moved away from him, and he told me to come back and take my whipping like a man. I said "whipping yes, beating, no!", whereupon he turned and stomped off, saying "I'll fix you" (or something to that effect). I instinctively knew what he was about to do, and ran into the house after him, screaming "Dad, don't!". As he dissapeared around the corner, my stepmother asked "don't what?", and I said "he's going after the shotgun!". Just then, he came around the corner, from the living room, and into view. He had the shotgun, and was loading it as he walked towards me. He jammed it into my stomach, and backed me back out into the woodshed, where he backed me up against a wall, with the gun still jammed into my navel, and with his finger twitching in anger on the trigger. I was sure I was about to die. After what seemed like forever, but was probably only a few moments, my stepmother appeared and started to speak to him. I have no recollection of what she said, but after a few moments, he gave her the shotgun and they went into the house. I stayed in the woodshed, for a long time, before I went back into the house. The incident was never spoken of then, or ever after, except for one time, and that time was even more traumatic that the event itself. It happened when I was 18, and my father found out that I was gay. His response was "I wish I'd finished what I started that day in the woodshed." He had essentially said that not only would he prefer a dead son to a gay son, but that he wished he had killed me himself. That was 27 years ago, and I don't think I've ever really recovered from it.

Whenever I read about the wonderful and special relationship you have with your stepsons, and how hard you try to be a great father to them, I cry, and wish my father could have been like you. Please save all your writings about them, so that you can share them with them someday - they need to know how much you care.

Thank you Wil, that post made my otherwise awful day, better.

Dude, you gotsta stop almost bursting into tears.
I am writing a treatment that would be perfect for you, but alas it will never see the light of day.

Lynn, that was my all time favorite show on PBS.

Wil, I think you might be able to help Jim Baker (actor from the show "Tripods", not the televangelist of course) get the BBC to release Season 2 on DVD. It was cancelled by a very dozy prat at the BBC who hated all sci-fi and didn't care if there was only one more season to go.

I know Ryan and Nolan as well as yourself would love watching "Tripods" episodes. Few science fiction shows have the real ability to impress an audience. "The Tripods" was one of these shows. As one person on Jim Baker's website put it, "Imagine if Peter Jackson had not made the third Lord of the Rings movie."

BTW, I saw "Nemesis" and was less than impressed. The whole thing seemed too contrived if you ask me. I'm glad this is the last one with the Next Generation actors, they need to move on to new ideas.

How about a prequel movie, call it "The Eugenics Years", and it's all about how Khan ascended to power and how he escaped. The best person to play young Khan would be Antonio Banderas in my opinion. It would definately be a different kind of Trek movie.

Anyway, all hail the TRIPODS! Take care, Wil!

Rocknar

http://www.subgenius.com - Praise J. R. "Bob" Dobbs!

You are a good dad, Wil. I am a new dad and geez... talk about water works. I was never one to tear up at the same cheesy things as my wife, but now that I've got this little angel to look at, and watch change... well, I'm a mess.

Wow. That is so frickin' cool.

I've only been coming to your site recently -- should've been keeping up on it for years, since you were an Amiga man -- and that mostly to get a feel for you, as I'll finally get to meet you at PenguiCon next month. I didn't know much about you at all. But what I'm learning, I really like.

(/fanboy)

I am not that much of a Rush Fan...I mean, so what, they got the greatest drummer alive, and to top it off, he is a huge fan of Ayn Rand, but that doesn't make up for him being Canadian. My friend's who live down the street from me at comedy central told me to hate Canadians...*horrible Cartman impression begins* So Screw you guys...I'm going home. *End Horrible Impression*

Awesome Will!!! I was reading the paper today in my humble city of Fresno, Calif. and there was an article about the best stuff on the web and your site was listed and I just had to check it out and now I'm here. I like it alot, very thoughtful and fun! I dunno if you read this, but if you do...you rock! so rock on!!!

My stepfather was an ass-and-a-half so it is really refreshing to hear about someone being a great stepdad.Those are lucky boys.

By the way, A/C is delicious you should make it a priority. And also, RUSH is da bomb biggety.

Hey Wil! As a single mom I really hope I find someone as awesome as you are that will enter my daughter's life with all the love and patience you have with the boys. And those lumps in your throat that appear whenever they say something remarkably amazing about you? Yeah, I think those show up regardless if you're a parent or a step-parent. It really is hard not to cry and ruin that moment they have no idea they've just created. It definitely rocks.

Wil and Rush! This entry RULES!

To Shaun Erickson ... that, in a word, sucks. That you can still talk about it, so calmly, is a testament to your strength.

To Wil ... what else to say, you fucking rock! I'm yet another of those who came to WWdN recently (from margaretcho.com ... another amazing celeblog) and had the initial "Wesley fucking Crusher? No thanks!" reaction.

Glad I gave it more time than that initial reaction - you seem like the most amazing guy, if in no other way than through your normality!

Anne, Ryan and Nolan are lucky to have you. WWdN is lucky to have you. We're all lucky to have you. Keep writing, keep feeling and keep living!

x

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