All The Wiser

73. They Raised Him and He Tried to Kill Them (Part 2 of 2)


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In part two of this series, Ken Coll recounts his experience raising Matthew and surviving the stabbing that nearly took his life. 

A few years after adopting baby Matthew, it became clear to Tom Boulet and his husband Ken Coll that something wasn’t right. Matthew had severe behavioral issues and an oppositional, defiant nature that had him bouncing from school to school. Still, Tom and Ken left no stone unturned to get Matthew the care and treatment he needed. After finishing high school and attending a few years of college, Matthew returned home one summer and attempted to kill both Tom and Ken, stabbing them a combined 31 times in the middle of the night. After a miraculous recovery, Tom and Ken share reflections on parenting a child with mental illness and how they found meaning and purpose and a renewed devotion to each other amid tragedy. 


In this episode:

  • Falling in love two months after divorce and an unexpected diagnosis.
  • The difficult entry of their adopted son, Matthew, into the world.
  • Navigating the special needs for a child with aggression. 
  • Deciding that a diagnosis will not define him.
  • Leaning into the power of the way we choose to view things.


Stay connected to Ken:

Website: www.gardensbyken.com

Facebook: Ken Coll

Instagram: @coll_ken

Charity Donation: AIDS Project LA


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All The WiserBy Kimi Culp

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