181 Comments
Apr 3, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

I work for Pfizer as part of the vaccination rollout team. I’ve had many thank yous and touching stories but reading your story really showed me the depths of the struggle. You’re my hero and together we will defeat this so that Pepper like so many others can continue to lead a fulfilling life with her family & friends.

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Apr 2, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

I'm the advocate for an adult with autism, and he never really began to speak till he was 27-- I had been told he never would, but like you, I have never given up. Today, he has about 350 words in his vocabulary, and while he is not what you'd call "conversational," he can absolutely make his feelings and preferences known. I don't know if Pepper will speak one day, but I agree she is well aware of what is happening around her, and she's taking it all in. Thanks for the beautiful piece. And yes, I am sure she knows you love her.

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Apr 3, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

You’ve had my complete respect and attention, since finding you on msnbc, a ways back. Now, you’ve earned my undying admiration for the sterling humanity and fatherly love, you exude. This old Marine, salutes you, sir! Godspeed.

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Apr 3, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

Not common to read something so well written about a compelling subject. God bless you Pepper for your perseverance. And thanks Clint for sharing this story about your beautiful daughter.

To everyone out there:

Get vaccinated.

Wear a mask.

Stay socially distanced.

Avoid large crowds.

Only with shared sacrifice will we get through this.

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Apr 2, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

She is gorgeous. As a mom of a daughter with special needs, thank you. This rings true for us too 100 percent.

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Apr 3, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

Thank you for writing this. We had a devastating loss in our community this year when one of my fellow City Commissioners died in a house fire because she could not persuade her non-verbal autistic son to accompany her down the stairs to escape, and she elected to stay with him rather than leave him to die alone. She had recently given an interview to NPR on the authentic life of parenting a child with severe autism (2 of her 3 children were autistic) during the pandemic, documenting his difficulties of adjustment to the pandemic and losing of school. I consider my friend, Feda & her son Mu, to be a COVID casualty. Thank you for bringing much needed attention to the most impacted students & families whose voices are so regularly overlooked.

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Apr 3, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

Clint, thank you for writing this. As a retired educator, I don’t understand why teachers are not getting vaccinated. The well-being of our students must be a priority. Your daughter is beautiful. God bless your family.

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Apr 3, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

Clint Watts, My husband and I admire your frank, moving reportage. Now, added to that, is your loving tribute to your daughter. We hope she continues to thrive and grow at her school. The look of wonder and curiosity on her lovely face, together with that pink barrette, the clasped hands, and insouciant ponytail, suggest how much life is in her mind and heart. Thank you for posting this message! Susan Snively and Peter Czap, Amherst, MA.

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Apr 3, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

This was so beautiful written. Pepper is so blessed to have you and her life and you in hers. Stay safe.

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Apr 3, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

Pepper is beautiful! I work with autistic children, some are non verbal, but they are all wonderful and we love them. I get my second vaccine next Friday and I try to encourage everyone to do the same. I love this story ❤️Thank you!

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Apr 3, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

As the Mom of a special needs young man, now 23, you and parents like you are constantly on my mind. I cannot imagine how I would have managed as a single, working Mom had this happened 10-15 years ago when my son was a behavioral challenge. My heart and pen are with you... I will continue to point your challenge out to leaders during this time. You’ve raised a beautiful girl. I know one thing for sure. She feels the love.

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Apr 2, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

You are so right. As mom of a 34 year old with autism, everything is several degrees harder in life with our kids. Our determination to serve them well depends too much on cooperation and diligence from others who have no idea or interest in how hard it is for us. Get your damn vaccines! (P.s. former guy is largely responsible for the ridiculous politicization of vaccines and masks.)

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Beyond beautiful — both your daughter & your reflection. Thank you for sharing this & for the call to true patriotism & selflessness.

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Apr 2, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

Clint, your Strength and Love is humbling and Pepper and you are truly Amazing.

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Apr 3, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

I have my first dose of Pfizer onboard and await the second. I will take my chances on 5G lizard chips to improve the possibility of stability for your daughter. We can beat COVID by unselfishly working together.

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Apr 2, 2021Liked by Clint Watts

I wasn't expecting the depth of emotion I felt reading this. Pepper is simply beautiful. I got my vaccination and now I know one of the people I got it for. Thank you for writing this and sharing what must have been difficult to express publicly. We are all the better for it.

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