Aaron McArthur speaks about what it means to be a dad to son Abel
Support and encouragement are hallmarks of Aaron McArthur the single dad. The Addy spoke him to ask what it takes to be a dad in the face of significant challenges.
Geelong
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SUPPORT and encouragement are hallmarks of Aaron McArthur the single dad.
These qualities are needed to get through the flashes of self-doubt, the ‘why can’t I do that’ moments, his son, Abel, experiences.
In these moments Aaron gently encourages his seven-year-old son who was born with a spine abnormality that means weight bearing on his legs, and walking, requires an unimaginable strain.
Aaron is determined his son extracts all he can out of life and matches the pursuits of able-bodied children.
Abel, a keen swimmer who doesn’t need assistance in the pool, has also tried his hand at basketball.
He enjoys throwing a frisbee with his dad, and also playing fetch with dog Biscuit.
“He wants to have a go at most things and I’ll back him in all the way to do that,” Aaron says.
“I try and turn situations into a positive for him. There are other avenues out there he can pursue.”
The encouragement in Abel’s formative years is done so against the back drop of one day Abel becoming totally wheelchair bound.
For the moment, he lives as a curious kid, scooting along using his walking frame or in his wheelchair determined to get to know others.
“People don’t really see the wheelchair anymore; they see a happy little boy,” Aaron says.
Those that know Aaron say he is a quiet achieve whose role as a dad is marked by what he’s overcome.
A recent ten-month stint without a hospital stay for Abel is an achievement because there’s been about 20 across his lifetime.
Life suddenly ground to a halt two years ago when Abel’s mum and Aaron’s partner, Tina, passed away following health issues.
“Abel is the one that keeps me going; everything I do now is for him,” Aaron says.
Given the time needed to care for Abel, it’s remarkable Aaron has other pursuits.
The St Peter’s Cricket Club, where Aaron is a past president, and playing the game are his passions.
He’s a hands on volunteer who is up early Saturday mornings to do groceries so players don’t go hungry.
“He does a lot of work behind the scenes that would largely go unnoticed but is vital in running a strong club,” club president Shane Fowles says.
“His massive contribution over a number of years has never wavered, even when he’s had every right to take some time for himself and his family.”
Originally published as Aaron McArthur speaks about what it means to be a dad to son Abel