Written by Emily Gunderson on behalf of The Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; April, 2010
“I’m the lucky one,” says Dennis Leo. Even though in his late-fifties, during the prime of raising a busy family that includes 9 kids, Dennis lost his life partner and wife, Mary, leaving him a single parent. That in itself is a significant life change and a lot to deal with, but it is an extra challenge when four of his children, who all are adopted, have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and special needs.
Dennis and Mary started off life together with a beautiful baby boy who unfortunately was born with brain damage and died shortly before his fourth birthday. This taught the Leos how very precious the gift of life is, and they devoted the rest of their lives to taking care of and adopting foster kids, many with special needs, and giving them the love, care and extra attention that they require. Their kids today, range in age from 8 years old on up to 38 years old.
“After Mary passed away, “ Dennis shared, “it was hard. We had to all pitch in to help. I was fortunate enough to be able to retire and focus full-time on being a dad and taking care of the kids.” Dennis is quick to say, that getting involved with the kids activities helped in the healing process. “Especially with children with special needs, it’s important to be involved with their school and outside activities, so I became my son’s sports team coach, and my daughter’s Sunday school teacher and I am even the president of PTA at their school. And like most families, we stay very active with dance, going to see plays or visiting museums and we take a couple of family vacations each year. That started back when Mary was still alive. We would load the kids in the station wagon and head out to Florida or California. Last year, the two youngest kids, Debbie and Albert and I, jumped in the van and drove over 4500 miles. The three of us headed down to Florida to see the ocean and of course Mickey, then up the coast to see Washington DC. We’d stop along the way whenever we would see something that looked interesting. Never did I hear any whining about ‘are we there yet’. Being involved and active has not only been good for the kids, but I find it very rewarding for myself as well. ”
For the past six years, Dennis has been managing really well on his own. “The kids are happy. They are progressing. We are involved together in things that they enjoy. And I know I am better because of them, “says Dennis. But he is also pleased to announce that he recently got engaged, and he feels even luckier now to find a women who not only loves him, but who loves his children and they love her. One might say these kids are lucky to have a dad like Dennis, but he’s quick to say, “He’s the lucky one!”