Al Roker is inspired by his son, Nicholas Albert Roker, to be a more patient individual. The TODAY anchor tells Hoda Kotb that Nicholas, who lives with special needs, challenges him to maintain a positive attitude.
“I want to be more patient,” Roker reveals. “Especially towards the end of the week after I get a little tired, I tend to get a little short with Nick,” the celebrity father admits.
Nick lives with a combination of autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The teen may have special needs but, nevertheless, contributes to society in a big way. Nick serves as a principal cross-bearer at his church, St. James Episcopal Church, in Manhattan, New York. The teen’s determination continues to inspire his parents.
“He’s very goal-oriented and he’s a great kid,” Al Roker tells Hoda Kotb. “As a lot of parents who have kids who have special needs [know], they can try your patience,” the celebrity father says. “Not that they mean to, or anything like that,” Roker clarifies. “I look at him and all that he does and I want to be a better person.”
In addition to serving in his church, Nick also enjoys swimming. “He’s got a great sense of humor,” Al Roker says of his son. “He’s outgoing and a good swimmer,” the television anchor adds. “He takes chess lessons a couple [of] times a week, and he does okay. He’s also very affectionate — like his grandfather — and full of love to share.”
Nicholas is Al Roker and his wife Deborah Roberts’ youngest child. The celebrity couple also has a daughter named Leila Roker. Stay tuned for more celebrity father news!
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