You know, when you have your teenager in a car with you, it’s a good chance to connect—if Nick doesn’t spend too much time distracted by his iPad or phone. My wife, Deborah Roberts, is a senior correspondent for ABC News. He and his wife, ABC journalist Deborah Roberts, who married in 1994, welcomed their youngest, 17-year-old Nicholas Albert Roker, on July 18, 2002. I don’t always succeed, but with Deborah’s help and cajoling, I try. I remember going off to college, to SUNY Oswego, in upstate New York, getting my first taste of freedom. And the folks who oversaw the acolytes were happy to have him. Until then I have to make sure we get to church on time—no matter what. Home Friends and Family Parenting Special Needs Children Al Roker on How Parenting a Child with Special Needs Inspires Him. On Sundays he serves the Lord. The obstacles in this kid’s way were things that might have tripped up many others. That drive up and back is some of the best time we have one-on-one. You bet. When we first found out we were pregnant, we were over the moon. To see Nick process down the center aisle at the beginning of the service, carrying the cross, his eyes on the altar, our pastor and the other ministers following behind, the organist pulling out all the stops, the choir and congregation singing their hearts out, the other acolytes following his lead as the principal cross bearer. At three, he hardly talked and could barely walk. Sometimes it’s good for just the two of us guys to get away. Dad’s hugs and kisses said as much. Leila was a walking miracle. Recently, explaining to Deborah why being at church was a priority for him, Nick told her, matter-of-factly, “Mom, I’m a churchgoing guy.” Not your average teenager at all. He too was an answer to prayer—like all children—but we knew right from the beginning that he would be up against a whole different set of challenges. I know it’s important to him. As of 2019, he is 65 years old and his horoscope is Leo. We were driving back to Manhattan and hoped to make it in time for the morning worship service because back home, at St. James Episcopal Church, Nick is a crucial part of the worship team and he takes his responsibilities very seriously. His sister Leila was doing tae kwon do too, and maybe he wanted to prove something to her—and to himself. When Deborah and I got married, we knew we wanted children. The comfort he had with his emotions was a good model for me when I entered parenthood. Find all of our books, bibles, greeting cards and special offers in our store. Dad was a puddle of tears. Mom and Dad took us to worship every weekend, but in so many other ways my dad was not your typical 1950s dad. Nick is a hard worker; he’s got a great sense of humor; he’s outgoing and a good swimmer; he’s developing a pretty good top-of-the-key basketball shot. Al is the son of Isabel (mother) and Albert Lincoln Roker, Sr (father). “I’m going to get my black belt,” he told us. Read More: ESPN's Maria Taylor Relies on Faith to Guide Her Career and Life Decisions. Autism? : No: Is Al Roker Gay ? That day I left, Mom put on a brave face. Nick is focused, dignified, reverent, the brass cross shimmering in the candlelight. For more hope and inspiration, follow us on Instagram: @guidepostsmagazine. Even an even-tempered guy like me can raise his voice. My older girl, Courtney, was adopted during my previous marriage, but we wanted to add to our family. Caption: Al Roker with his children Al Roker’s Quick Facts. Those qualities that you might think would hold him back are exactly the ones that drive him forward. Courtesy of Al Roker. I tend to bolt after church to do grocery shopping while Deb mingles with our congregation. But I was determined we would make it. I try to do the same. Where his OCD nature can be a drawback in some situations, it was a strength here.