220: Robin’s Story | Preparing for the Worst, Staying Present, + Embracing a Different Type of Fatherhood episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 2, 2026 · 40 MIN

220: Robin’s Story | Preparing for the Worst, Staying Present, + Embracing a Different Type of Fatherhood

from The Rare Life · host Madeline Cheney

Before his daughter was born, Robin thought he had a sense of what it meant to be a dad. But after a prenatal diagnosis of Trisomy 13, that understanding started to unravel.In this episode, Robin reflects on what it was like to face a future filled with uncertainty, including the possibility that his daughter might not live long and might require a completely different kind of parenting than he had imagined. He shares how that uncertainty led him to emotionally distance himself early on, the role grief and fear played in that response, and how his connection to his daughter has grown and changed over time.This conversation also touches on learning to be present, understanding your role and strengths as a parent, and how isolating this life can feel, even as you look for connection with others who get it.This is one you can’t miss.Links:Join The Rare Life newsletter andnever miss an update!Fill out our contact form to joinupcoming discussion groups!Listen to Ep 146: The Dad Perspective.Listen to Ep 151: Finding Other Disability ParentFriends.Listen to Ep 197: Difficulty with Making DisabilityParent Friends.Follow Robin on Instagram @thedadadays!Follow us on Instagram @the_rare_life!Donate to the podcast or Contactme about sponsoring an episode 

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220: Robin’s Story | Preparing for the Worst, Staying Present, + Embracing a Different Type of Fatherhood

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