My children, Parker and Richard, are the center of my world. They have shaped my life in ways I never could have imagined, bringing joy, purpose, and countless lessons. Each of their journeys is unique, and together, they form a narrative of love, growth, and discovery that continues to inspire me every day.
Parker W. Sweet (Bina)
Parker, who also goes by Bina, was born in Pohang, South Korea, in 1999. His mother and I adopted him through Wide Horizons for Children, working with the Holt agency in South Korea. In January 2000, we received the long-awaited notification from his foster parents that he was ready to come home. My parents joined us on the trip, and although the weather was freezing, our excitement kept us warm.
None of us had been to Korea before, so despite the cold, we embraced every moment of the week we spent waiting for the paperwork to finalize. We walked through the city, savoring delicious local food and exploring every museum we could find. It was an unforgettable experience that bonded us even more deeply as a family.
Once home, we shared custody of Parker until he graduated from Williston Northampton School. Parker’s determination and intelligence shone through in everything he did. He pursued Public Health at UMass Amherst, graduating early, and immediately went on to earn his Master’s degree in Public Health. While at UMass, Parker worked as a Resident Assistant and played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the university's response program. His dedication earned him recognition from then-Governor Charlie Baker, who awarded him for his outstanding contributions. Parker went on to work for Governor Baker’s office and later continued his work under Governor Healey. He now lives in Arlington, continuing to make an impact in public service.
Richard P. Sweet (Ricky)
Richard came into my life in October 2009. I was 47 at the time and had not expected to have another child after Parker. His arrival surprised me in the best way possible, reminding me of the boundless capacity for love and the joy of fatherhood.
When Richard was a baby, we lived in South Hadley. Emily worked days at UMass as a cook, and I stayed home with him. When Emily returned home in the late afternoon, I would begin my part-time work as a music teacher. As Richard grew and became more independent, I was able to work more during the day. I continued my consulting work in supply chain and sourcing, web development, and social media management.
In 2018, Emily and I bought a home on seven acres of land that had once been part of a grape farm. This land became a canvas for my passion for gardening and nature. I planted 12 fruit trees, a quarter-acre of blueberry bushes, and another half-acre of raspberry bushes. The property thrived, filled with growing things, much like Richard himself. As he blossomed, I shared everything I knew with him—how to use tools, care for the yard, and appreciate the land. We spent weekends and summers hiking, biking, canoeing, and exploring our community together. Watching him grow into the young person he is today has been one of my life’s greatest joys.
Our Life Together
Our family wouldn’t be complete without our two beloved animals: Kitty, our affectionate cat, and Lucky, our loyal dog. The boys adore them, and their presence has added warmth and companionship to our home.
My children are more than family; they are my teachers, my inspiration, and my pride. Parker and Richard each hold a unique place in my heart, and I am grateful every day for the privilege of being their father. Their journeys are just beginning, and I look forward to seeing where life takes them next.