The Journey of Beautiful Destinations – a Column by Richard E. Poulin III

A new appreciation of the yin and yang of life

I’ve never been someone who spends time looking back to psychoanalyze my past or delve deeply into philosophy. Instead, I’m typically looking forward, planning, and moving ahead. However, two significant events that unfolded in a matter of a few days recently forced me into deep reflection. They reminded me of…

A transformative July culminates in homeschooling success

For our family, July felt like running a marathon while juggling. The month involved a constant mix of motion, focus, and unpredictability. Each day brought challenges, milestones, and surprises. As parents of a child with the rare disease aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, my wife, Judy,…

2 steps forward, 1 step back: Lessons from a crisis

Rylae-Ann, my daughter, was born with aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, an ultra-rare neurotransmitter disorder that disrupts the production of dopamine and serotonin. Before she received life-changing gene therapy at 18 months old, even basic developmental milestones felt like mountains. Since gene therapy, she’s made amazing…

How AADC deficiency inspired a learning center’s summer program

When our daughter, Rylae-Ann, was diagnosed with aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, my wife, Judy, and I stepped into a world few people know about. This rare genetic condition affects the brain’s ability to produce essential neurotransmitters, leaving children with severe motor, developmental, and autonomic challenges.