Special Needs Children / Music

 
"I think I would have liked Jeff alot," writes a former neighbor after reading Journey With Jeff while on a trip to Texas. "There were so many things that he and I shared! His love of music. I studied the trumpet at Eastman School for a few years and often thought that I would make music my career, but that didn't work out. When I read about how much Jeff liked 'The Wizard of Oz,' it brought back some wonderful memories. I used to watch that movie every year without fail, alonside my mother when she was alive. When I was a child 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' was one of the first songs I learned to sing. Sadly enough, even the date of Jeff's passing (October 12th) is the same as my mother's.~~~ The book is quite the inspiration and I am sure that many will learn and benefit from your insight, strength, and the example of your willingness and dedication to leave matters in God's hands. I can only hope that someday I can be as obedient to God as both you and Bob were during those most trying times. A relationship with God is something that we really have been trying to get our kids to take part in. Our teen-age daughter is starting on the right path, but her brother still needs some prodding ~~~ and prayer.~~~ When we were in Texas we went to Sea World. They were having a special event for kids with disabilities. One of the kids and her parents sat next to me in the stands and I nearly offered the book to the mother. I had read only about 2/3 of the book and I really wanted to finish it. From what I had already read, I wondered if the book would have been an inspiration to them. I'm sure it would have been, and I feel a little guilty about not offering it, but I am glad that I had the opportunity to read -- and finish -- it.I'm sure there will be others that I can offer the book to that will also benefit from it. Thank you so much for the book. I sincerely enjoyed it!" More than 500 copies of Journey With Jeff are Out There now!! Many have been shared by families and friends. We are so blessed when people tell us of the inspiration and encouragement they have found from reading this book. Thanks, Craig!

Exceptional Children Award Presented to Ablevision

Ablevisionis an award-winning show produced entirely by people with special needs. They have a crew of 45 that meets twice a week to write, shoot, and produce a half-hour monthly show which is broadcast throughout the Boston area, and beyond. Through this program they seek to educate and entertain the community-at-large about a variety of topics through their unique prospective. On their youtube.com/user/Ablevision website they say, "We want everyone to know we can do anything! Not only do we want to portray people with disabilities in a positive light, but also offer a unique program that allows people with disabilities creative control and direction." They have interviewed Kevin James who starred in "Mall Cop"; people at Special Olympics events, like Michael Finlay, the top-ranked male figure skater; the director of Windrush Farm - a therapeutic horseback riding farm; and people at a community park clean-up in Hyde Park who were making it more handicapped accessible. The joy and enthusiasm, the hope with the challenges of this crew of 45 is very impressive. Keep on keepin' on!! (Photo is my interview on WARM 101.3)

A few Caregiver Connections

Almost didn't go to the "Sage-ism; Not Age-ism" meeting. Didn't know whether or where I could plug in "Journey With Jeff; Inspiration for Caregivers of People with Special Needs." Rosalie Mushal-Reinhardt was the Sage-ing Leader, and was impressed enough with the copy I had brought with me to call it a beautiful book, an incredible story. The next day she wrote to me: "What a joy to meet you! I was thinking this morning in my quiet time about the 'What If's' of Life. What if you had not come to the meeting yesterday? What if you were shy and not said anything to me? What if....What if...What if... I am making a few connections with a family I know, and with an Alzheimer's Association, and will get back to you when I have them. Until then, may you and Bob know how truly you are the 'face of the Holy One.' Amen. Blessing galore, Rosalie." What an encouragement and inspiration to have someone see Christ in us!! Wait until she reads "Journey With Jeff," and sees the love of God reflected in Jeff Reisch!!

Inspiration & Encouragement For a Seventh Grader

 
"Journey With Jeff was a book a close family friend, named Sybil wrote," Alex, my seventh grade friend, said in her report. "I loved and hated the book, it was a sad yet joyous book. The way Sybil wrote about Jeff was inspiring." (Her mother had e-mailed me, "I want you to know Alex really enjoyed and was very touched by your book -- she was so touched by it that she chose to do her first book review assignment on it.") Alex continues, "I loved it because Sybil talked about how Jeff's love filled a room, and he was always smiling at everyone. Another reason I liked the book was because every chapter began with a couple lines of text from something that was not hers and ended with a prayer that was hers. I hated the book because when one thing would get better another would get worse, but since it is a true story about Sybil and her son with Down's syndrome, she couldn't really help that, but it still is a minor drawback. Journey With Jeff was an amazing book and I recommend it to most people. I really felt like the book helped me grow as a person and changed my perspective on life and many other things. If I could describe it in one sentence it would be this one: This book was about a very special boy who did very special things. If you do end up reading it I hope it will touch your heart the way it touched mine."~~~High praise and encouragement from a very special young friend! Thank you, Alex!

Inspiration and Encouragement

 
My Native American (Chippewa) friend, Jennie Lightfoot, is inspired and encouraged by her young nephew who lives with Down syndrome. She says, "He is the sweetest, most loving and kind man. I learn so much from him whenever we are together. He is so affectionate, and gives great hugs! Whenever I think of Jeremy, I thing of your Jeff. You are making a difference in God's world; you write so well. You were writing little personal stories a long time ago when we were roommates at a Multicultural Gathering, remember?" I remember her joy and congratulations last summer when she could finally buy the book ~~ Journey With Jeff ~~ that she had been encouraging me to complete. The joy of making a difference in God's world is indescribable! Thank You, Lord!