Another testimonial

"Journey With Jeff" is an absolute spiritual piece of hard and struggling work! It is an inspiration to all who listen. I can feel your hurts, struggles and at times, discouragement. I could also feel Jeff's emotions and these brought back many memories. I could feel Bob's struggles too, and his faith. Yes, Jeff's sister Jennifer, too -- her patience at times and her love for her family and Jeff. I believe this work of devotions is great for anybody who is struggling with their problems -- the same "God, hear my cry"
"God, help me to listen and trust"
"God, I love you; help my unbelief!"
"Our secretary has shed tears, also, with your beautiful devotions -- the work of Discipleship! Jeff's faith just shines through like the light in a dark room! He sure is a precious gift to all he encountered." (Jeff's Confirmation teacher.)

Tributes for "Journey With Jeff"

Here are some testimonials (written notes) from those who knew Jeff, and responded to the reading of our stories on the set of 5CDs:
"My husband and I have listened to your CDs. First astounded that we didn't know what you went thru the early months, then inspired by your 'writer's instinct' to keep a journal about it all. I've always been inspired by your faith. You are a true prayer warrior and I give thanks to God for you!" ( A long-time Lutheran friend)
"Thanks for allowing Jeffrey to be a part of our lives. We will always cherish the time we had with him. God bless." (Jeff's Residence Supervisor)
"Miss you like crazy...but the CDs help!!! Listening to you helped ease my feelings of homesickness and loss. Mac's school evaluation is Friday. I have been waiting since October for this." (A mother of a child living with Celiac disease)
"What an inspirational story and wonderful testimony to your one-of-a-kind son, and all of your efforts to deal with his and your rollercoaster ride!! You did an exceptional job, and I loved your use of scripture and prayers for each entry. Something for everyone! Thanks for using what I had written about Jeff. Don't know how you included so much - WOW!" (A cousin now working with people with special needs.)

Journey With Jeff; Inspiration for Caregivers of People with Special Needs

This is what the cover of my book that I'm birthing looks like! This is our son, Jeff at four years old.

Journey With Jeff; Inspiration for Caregivers of People with Special Needs

This weekend at Camp-of-the-Woods at Speculator, NY, - way up north in the Adirondacks - we were in an awesome setting for our Lutheran Women's convention! About 150 women came, many of them long-time friends, plus, I have some brand new friends! I soaked up the laughter, the hugs, the sharing, and the wisdom of the speakers, as a sponge. 35 came to my Workshop on "Caregiving," where several women shared their caregiving experience for children with special needs, and for aging parents -- especially those in the "Sandwich Generation" dealing with both challenges. All 40 of my flyers saying "New Book Available in November 2007!" went home with individual women, and I have a few orders already! I am so anxious that "Journey With Jeff; Inspirations for Caregivers of People with Special Needs" gets to where it needs to go!! You can read excerpts of four of the stories on the website: www.luther95.com/UNYSWE-ANY/ Click on Resources and scroll down to "Journey with Jeff." I invite your comments.

Tomorrow two friends and I will catch a bus in Rochester full of Lutheran Women on their way to our Upstate NY Synod Convention at Camp-In-the-Woods at Speculator Lake (near Lake George) with an appropriate outdoor theme. I'm looking forward to hearing the keynote speaker, Tom Porter, Spokesman and Chief Spiritual Leader of the Mohawk Community in Fonda, NY. Then, Saturday night an Adirondack Storyteller will weave his spell. Meanwhile, my part in the Convention is presenting a "Caregiving" Workshop, featuring my "Journey With Jeff; Inspiration for Caregivers of People with Special Needs," and the wonderful stories in "Chicken Soup for Caregivers," and "Chicken Soup for the Soul--Children with Special Needs." I hope to stimulate lively sharing, and encouraging, and networking in those two 45 minute sessions. One of the best things about these gatherings is seeing old friends again! Yes!!

I am so blessed to have a son-in-law, his mom, Jean, and a nephew to help me figure out all the possibilities of my computer! Today Jean created new business cards that include my blog address. We wanted to use the clip art I'd used on my older cards, but it vanished when my computer crashed in March! She had saved it on her Mac, and used her flash-drive to transfer it to my PC. Now I have several flyers announcing "Journey With Jeff" coming in November, plus 100+ business cards to use as I begin to Market my book. I've downloaded several articles from BookSurge, and listened to conference calls on line to absorb as much as possible. Upward and onward!

Days have passed since I've blogged, days filled with more editing of "Journey With Jeff." BookSurge want to make sure everything is just right!! Meanwhile, I am preparing for a "Caregivers" Workshop for our Lutheran Women's NYS Annual Convention this coming weekend. I want to recognize those who are caregivers of people with many special needs, including the "Sandwich Generation" who care for parents and children at the same time, and comfort and encourage them. I understand there will be about 30 in my Workshop, so I pray there will be many stories, and encouraging of each other. I plan to use stories in the "Chicken Soup for Caregivers," and "Chicken Soup for the Soul - Children with Special Needs," as well as in "Journey With Jeff." I wanted so much to have my book in my hand to go to this convention, but my favorite son-in-law (my only one,LOL) has created a flyer I can take with me with my address and the price ($14.95, plus $4.50 S&H), and this blog address for comments.

I've been working on writing our son,Jeff's story for many years. I wanted other parents of children with developmental disabilities not to feel they were alone in their struggles. Finally got it all together, sent it to a number of publishers who all basically said, "It's lovely, but we can't use it." So,...I read it onto 5 CDs, calling it, "Journey With Jeff; Inspirations for Caregivers of People with Special Needs." Many of the people who bought it ($17.00 + tax) said they'd also like a copy in book form so they could turn over a corner of the page, or put in a book mark, or underline. Therefore, I have been working with BookSurge (an Amazon.com company) to self-publish the book. Almost done!! Sent in my digital proof corrections today. A couple more steps and I'll hold it in my hand!!! It's getting pretty exciting!