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Dream Night at the zoo

6/7/2013

Have you ever had the chance to pet an elephant, watch penguins being fed or spent an exclusive night at the zoo while it was closed to the public? Neither have I until tonight.

Our Dream Night at the zoo (hosted by the Rosmand Gifford Zoo) was a spectacular evening for families who have a loved one with a disability to spend quality time with the animals in a sensory friendly environment. Special demonstrations, exhibits, and fun activities were planned for all, including dinner and snacks (glutten free as well!).

This staff and volunteers at tonight's event did a marvelous job and despite the mild rain, there was a huge smile on everyone's face. My favorite part of the night? Nearly getting eaten by a tiger...but that's a story for another day!

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Happy First Anniversary

11/12/2012

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It's hard to believe that this Saturday, November 17th, will mark the first anniversary of Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives With a Special Needs Child.

The idea for this book came to me after many years of searching for answers about child's disabiity, and feeling alone in my situation. I knew that there must be others who also felt isolated, so I set out on a mission to unite all of these families. Regardless of what our child's disabilites are, we all still struggle to understand and feel acceptance.

To celebrate you can now purchase the book at 50% off ! Simply visit CreateSpace.Com/3703816 and enter the discount code:F9RGRB28. This offer will good until Saturday November 24th, 2012.

I want to thank everyone who contributed a story to the book. Your words have helped others to realize that they are not alone in their journey.

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A caregiver's cookout

9/2/2012

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Opening their home to host a BBQ for all of the caregivers that have stayed at David's Refuge, Warren and Brenda Pfohl have once again outdid themselves. Families were welcomed with a yard full of activities to entertain the children, while the adults had time to connect with one another and make new friends. Little ones worked off their energy in the bounce houses then tried their hands at some carnival games. A colorful parachute waved in the air as kids ran under and over it whi
Toby was a hit with both the kids and adults!

The tent provided shelter from the sun while we dined on delicious foods. Volunteers made sure that each guest was well taken care of. We were given a chance to sit back and simply enjoy the day with our children. I could easily get used to being papered like that on a daily basis !

For those who needed some quite time away, they could escape to the santurary of nature. The grounds offer a stunning view that is bound to let all your stress slip away.

Are you a caregiver of a child with a disability or life threatening disease and could use a getaway? David's Refuge is a nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for the caregiver. Visit their website to learn about their mission and book your free stay at their beautiful Bed & Breakfast. http://davidsrefuge.org/

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Do you have a story to share?

7/21/2012

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People have been asking me if the next book is out yet and if there is still time to submit a story before it comes out. The good news is that if you have been thinking about writing a story, there is still time to get it into the book!

Is there a person you know who has overcome unbelievable odds? Perhaps their story could inspire someone else going through a similar situation. The best comfort in a person's life is knowing that they are not alone.

Stories can be up to 2,500 words long, and anonymous submissions will be accepted for those who are worried about privacy. Changing names will also allowed allowed for the same reason.

Because I am trying to get as many wonderful stories to this next book as possible, I do not have an exact date set for publication. However, I do anticipate that it will be within the next year. Any questions feel free to contact me at [email protected], or facebook.com/WindingRoadBook.

Here are a several of the Amazon.Com reviews from Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child:

I was unsure when I first opened this book just what I would find. But, when I finished it....I said, "This book needs to be sold along with a box of tissues." Some of the stories will make you cry and others make you laugh.

The stories are from individuals who live with, or affect by, children who were born different in various ways. Each story tells how a family adapt their everyday life to the ordeals which become 'normal' in their household. And, it spreads beyond that one child born, beyond the parents and siblings; it affects aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, teachers, clergy, bus drivers...and beyond.

These children teach us as much as the other way around.

The one thing that resonates in this book is...love.

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This book shows the ups and downs both the parents and the children go through in life with disabilities. One story you would die laughing and the next you'll be crying your eyes out. Finished this book within a day. Just couldn't put it down.

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I just read this entire book from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down! There were times when I wanted to cry, and times I wanted to laugh. It shows how each family's situation is unique. There is no mold for a special needs person, and no one right path to take to deal with them.

This book is one that should be read and then shared with others.

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As a mother of a child with disabilities, I picked up a copy of this book in hopes of relating to other families who are dealing with similiar situations. The stories inside made me instantly feel connected. Some gave me hope, others melted my heart. I laughed, cried, and smiled throughout the entire book. It reminded me of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. A wonderfully easy read for any busy cargiver who is raising a special needs child.

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Could the title, not be any more perfect?!??!!

I am so proud of Amy and the initiative she took in self-publishing this book. She wanted to find a way to connect her story with others, and this book is going to encourage and bless SO MANY families.

Having any kind of special needs child or family member can be overwhelming at times. Unless you are physically living in their individual situations, it is so hard to comprehend all of the variances they experience on a daily basis. This book not only brings light to the hardships hese families face but also the triumphs and delights that these unique children bring into their little corners of the world.

This book offers hope, inspiration, and ultimately support, to let you know.... you are never alone. You are not, the only one. There are people that understand and will be there to cheer you on in the best of times, and help you pick up the pieces in the worst. Being an advocate for your child and helping others that also need it, can bring the greatest satisfaction and purpose in your life.

EVERY child is special. Special needs kids don't require extra love, just unconditional love..... just like any other child does.

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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Coming Soon

2/7/2012

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We've shared our stories and connected with one another through the power of words. Now thanks to the Oswego Arise, we will get the chance to met one another in person!

2010 4th of July parade

Celebrating the kick off of Developmental Disability Awareness Month, every partcipant who submitted a story to Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child will be invited to a special get to know you session at the Oswego Arise Office in March. The families will enjoy a casual dinner while socializing with one another. It will be a wonderful opportunity for both the kids and adults to make new friends!

Having a child with a disability, whether physical or mental, is a daily challenge. Arise is a non profit organization that advocates for the individual and their families. The following is their mission statement:

ARISE’s mission is to work with people of all abilities to create a fair and
just community in which everyone can fully participate.

We embrace the guiding principles of independent living – that individuals
with disabilities have a right to dignity, personal responsibility, and
self-determination. ARISE offers advocacy and support services to people of all
ages with all types of disabilities.

I am very excited to be teaming up with Arise to extend this offer to all of the people who shared a part of their lives with the world via my book. The feedback that I have got from my readers have been overwheleming. Over and over I have been told that Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives with a Special Needs Child has brought inspiration, laughter, tears, and joy to many people's lives. This night will be a way to say thank you and to connect everyone involved.

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Dream Night at the zoo

Happy First Anniversary

A caregiver's cookout

Do you have a story to share?

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Coming Soon

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