Update on “Why Me?”
Summer, like always, is flying past and there just aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish all that I want to. My summer has consisted of working at Ranken Jordan 2-3 days a week, babysitting a darling boy named Luke 2 days a week, playing in the sprinkler and/or pool with the kids, and in my spare time thinking about what direction I want to go with my newly published book.
The response I have gotten from those who have read the book has been so positive and the journey so sweet. I have met some amazing people and heard some awesome stories. I feel so blessed to have such life changing encounters. A lot of people have asked me anxiously, “When will your next book be out?” While I am very excited about “Colors”, (I think it’s my favorite of all the stories I’ve written), I don’t feel I have done all I need to do with the book “Why Me?” I have had several schools approach me about doing a talk on diversity and incorporating my book into the discussion. I am honored that people feel my message is that important, but I know in my heart it is. I think that having discussions with children about “being different” is so important. It is very liberating for children and parents to bring this discussion out into the open. Up to this point, most parents say to their children, “Don’t Stare, Don’t ask that person what happened to them to make them different” when they see children with disabilities out in the community. My goal is to educate and to do just the opposite. It’s okay to be curious, in fact it’s quite normal to have questions when we encounter things different from the norm. I think that rather than acting like we don’t see the difference or try to act not curious is not working and makes everyone feel awkward. I think it’s okay to say “What happened to your legs?” Why do you use a wheelchair or crutches to get around?” Most children with disabilities gladly welcome questions and the opportunity to make new friends in the process.
But it goes a step further with any differences children incur. I think we can educate them that being different is a good thing. In fact we all have something in our life that makes us different; whether you wear your diversity on the outside (children with special needs) or you have an internal struggle which is not visible to the naked eye. While all this diversity exists in our society, at the core we are all the same, love seeking creatures who long for acceptance and approval from their peers.
I am taking the summer to evaluate where an how I want to spread this message of acceptance. I have been researching diversity, and ways to educate children about this sensitive subject.
Sometimes I get impatient and want things to speed up with the book. I want to get my message as quickly as possible to as many people as possible because I feel this message is that important. But thank goodness I have good friends and mentors to guide me. These people are continuously reminding me that everything happens at it’s own intended time. Enjoying the journey is much more important than the end result, you know who you are, thank you for the guidance.
Just as a side note, I think I am ready to tackle the difficult task of finding a literary agent and publisher. If anyone reading knows of anyone in this business, could you please forward me their information. Thanks. Have a great and safe summer.
Julie |
