Behind the Mic Book Review: Where the Light Gets In- Kimberly Williams-Paisley

The brain isn't called a ''super computer'' by accident, it really IS a super computer!  In it, we store memories that shape us as people, make us happy, make us laugh, smile and sometimes shed tears. We can reflect on these memories and they can give us confidence and strength, facing life with the most positive attitude when life gets rough.  What, though, if your ''super computer'' got a virus that completely erased all of your memories and changed you, in the worst way, so your not even close to the person you once were?  What if the person who is dealing with this condition is your mom?  The closest person to your heart whom you've relied on much of your life for advice and support... for everything!! In this heartbreakingly candid, yet positive memoir, Kimberly Williams-Paisley shows you a very personal battle that she and her family are fighting.  Her mom, Linda, being diagnosed with PPA.  "Primary Progressive Aphasia is a progressive loss of language function.  Language is a uniquely human faculty that allows us to communicate with each other through the use of words. Our language functions include speaking and understanding what others are"  Kimberly describes how her mom went from being the pillar of support, her ''private applause section", to someone who was easily frustrated, emotional, and finally left with no ability to communicate.  It became increasingly apparent that life was not going to be as easily lived like it once was.  Once the initial sadness and hopelessness left, the family banded together, supported one another, and have made the best out of life, for as long as they can!  Through the struggles and the pain, Kimberly and her family have accomplished the task of looking for the smallest silver lining.  Looking for where the light gets in, because Linda is not her diagnosis of PPA.  She is a person, and most importantly....she's MOM!

Get the book here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-the-light-gets-in-kimberly-williams-paisley/1122312815?ean=9781101902950

Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana

They even promote Cerebral Palsy Awareness in Australia!

Robyn Cummins, World CP Day Manager- Australia 

When your child becomes diagnosed with a disability, it can feel as if your whole world is crumbling.  The challenge that most parents face is rebuilding and re-envisioning what life will now look like for their child and the entire family.  I recently interviewed Robyn Cummins, World Cerebral Palsy Manager, in Australia.  I loved this interview so much because it really showed that Disability Awareness, especially Cerebral Palsy Awareness is a world wide effort!

 When I started receiving World Cerebral Palsy Day emails several years ago, those emails really underscored the saying that "a picture is worth a thousand words".  Within these emails, guest bloggers write about their experiences with having CP and having enough determination to show others that they can work within the confines of their situations. This means there are certain things that are part of the disability that are not changeable, but there are many variables that ARE in your power to change.
For more information on the World Cerebral Palsy Day Campaign:
www.worldcpday.org/our campaign
 I was also very touched the World CP day team allowed me to tshare my story! They did a great job! Read my story here: https://worldcpday.org/our-campaign/contribution/michelle-fischer/  Here is a little bit more about Robyn Cummins, World CP Day Manager in Australia:

Robyn Cummins is the World Cerebral Palsy Manager. Robyn’s passion is the lives and needs of people with cerebral palsy. She works for Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Sydney Australia, managing this global project that now involves 62 countries. She is excited by the opportunity to create positive and long-lasting change through the collective efforts of a worldwide community of people who care about cerebral palsy.

Michelle Fischer is the host of  A View from my Window, a podcast produced by  The Arc of Indiana