For those who were not able to make it to the River's End Bookstore for the public readings, my video has been posted to YouTube. I would like to thank my writing partner Lisa Buske for acting as videogropher and my husband Dan for all of his support. This has been a very emotional ride, but also one of courage and strength. My story has already touched many lives and I hope that it continues to inspire those still silenced by the shame.
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Americans all over the world are getting ready to celebrate their independance this coming 4th of July weekend. Typically it is spent with friends and family having cookouts, watching parades, and enjoying the little ones as they beem with excitment twirling sparklers around in the dark.
The thought of spending quality time with loved ones intriqued me, and made me want to have that more more than just a weekend. After debating on the best way to achieve this, I decided to celebrate my independence in a different way. For one full week I will become "screen free" in an effort to promote more family time. I am officially proclaiming my independence from the intranet!! My first reaction to this thought was gut wrenching. With a goal to reach, how will I ever accomplish my revivions if I take a week off? I allowed my conscience to weigh back and forth the pros and cons before coming to the realization that if I step back for a few days, my mind will be able to return with clearer thinking and my eyes will be more astute to tracking changings that are needed. So I tell myself that I will be doing my book a favor by taking a few days off. On Monday July 4th, the official start of the holiday, I will begin my journey of becoming "unplugged." My computer will be shut down and I will break out the sunscreen as I embark on a few days filled with family fun. I look forward to exclusive bonding time and lots of laughs this coming week. When I conclude my independence next week, I will happily turn my computer back on so that I can blog all about the experience. Will I be able to spend seven days away from my screen? Tune in next week to find out!! It is that time of year again. Children are squealing with excitment, piped up on sugar, and are having the time of their lives. Yes, it is time for the fair!
Tomorrow is the official start of the Oswego County Fair in Sandy Creek, but each year the day before it opens to the public, the fairgrounds becomes a special meeting place for some very special people. With the help of some very generous oraginizations, there is a day when people with disabilities can enjoy themselves in a relaxed atmosphere without having to worry about a large crowd. There is free food, games, prizes, rides, door prizes, karaoke and exhibits for all to enjoy at their own pace. Last year's event served over 800 special people and their family members. My daughter's favorite part of the day was of course the bumper cars. For a few moments she gets to sit behind the wheel of a vechile and is allowed to go willy nilly around the track without any worries. In fact the more people she hits the more excited she gets! It's every child's dream. As a parent I got a glimpse at what our future will look like when she gets her liscence and made myself a mental note to get some extra insurance. After the rides we hit up the game booths to test our skills. We didn't fare to well in this department but lots of fun was had just the same. Our next stop was to the make your own sundea booth, which is always a big hit. We waited until our brain freezes subsided before heading off to prize wheel. The choices were immense but we finally settled on bringing home a beloved stuff animal. Our day was now complete. As our energy ran out we made our way to the car with a great feeling inside of us. We are very lucky to have such an event available to families who may not otherwise get to enjoy this kind of experience. I would like to thank all of the volunteers who donated their time to help work the event, to the Lacona Fire Department who donated the food, and to all of the businesses who donated the prizes. We appreciate the effort and heart that each of you put into the event each year. For a daily schedule of this year's Oswego County Fair events, please visit oswegocountyfair.com. |
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AuthorI have the privilege of being able to shape the minds and lives of children who are battling disabilities. It can be very trying at times, but more often than not it is very rewarding. As a mother of a child with a disability, I know the struggles that they go through on a daily basis. This allows me to have a little more compassion for the people that I work with. |