What happens when the rock starts to crack? This question lies at the heart of our conversation with host L.A. Aguayo and special guest Heber Ramos, a father who has navigated the turbulent waters of raising a child with severe hemophilia B. In this profoundly moving episode, Heber takes us through the day his infant son Zayden was diagnosed – a day marked by blood-soaked casts, frantic hospital staff, and a mysterious nurse who appeared seemingly out of nowhere to save his son's life.
The journey Heber shares isn't just about hemophilia; it's about how trauma shapes us. With remarkable candor, he reveals how the constant pressure of being the family protector and the overwhelming fear for his son's wellbeing pushed him toward alcoholism. "Alcohol was my medicine," he explains, describing how he used it to quiet his anxiety while trying to maintain the appearance of strength.
Perhaps most powerful is Heber's account of hitting rock bottom – four DWIs in a single month, losing everything he valued, and finally, a suicide attempt where the gun mysteriously failed to fire. This moment became his turning point, launching him on a path of recovery that transformed not just his relationship with alcohol, but his entire approach to fatherhood and life.
For any parent who has felt the crushing weight of responsibility for a child's chronic condition, Heber's story offers something precious: proof that vulnerability isn't weakness but strength. His journey reminds us that even in our darkest moments, transformation is possible, and that sharing our struggles can become the lifeline someone else desperately needs.
Whether you're a father of a child with a rare disorder or simply someone who values authentic stories of human resilience, this conversation will leave you reflecting on what it truly means to be strong for those we love.
Host: L.A. Aguayo @chronic_physique
Guest: Heber Ramos @gqfresh17
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