Behind the Mic Book Review: Chloe's Journey by Claudia Orrett

"We have been truly blessed to witness Chloe's milestones.  The fact that she walks independently, attends a regular school with regular friends.  That we hear her laugh more than cry.  It's all magnificent."  This statement from author Claudia Orrett perfectly describes the title of this beautifully written heartfelt book!  Every emotion within me was touched, not just because I related to the book because I have cerebral palsy and a ''typical" sibling, but I also felt for Claudia and her husband John.  It was difficult for them to grasp that their beautiful little sassy, sweet girl had something that could be so life changing!  You as the reader, go through all those ups and downs with Claudia and John.  Through years of research, and traditional and non-traditional treatments for Chloe, you see the fog start to clear for Claudia as she started to be able to distinguish what would work and what wouldn't work.

I was trying to imagine how difficult it would be to write this book, having to relive all the hard moments this sweet family had to endure... but, in the same breath, writing it down would help them to see just how incredibly far they've come!  Through all the uncertainty, frustrations and feelings of despair, everyone on "Team Chloe" never gave up!  Instead they said: ""She CAN!  We will support Chloe all the way!"  Because of that mindset, Chloe and all those in her circle THRIVE!  Claudia gives you a wealth of information, including pictures of Chloe doing her exercises in therapy with diagrams and notes.  She's also included pictures of things Chloe's friends have done to show how much they love her.  All of this gives us a glimpse into what is involved in navigating the cerebral palsy journey.   Through her own journey with Chloe, Claudia mentions how family support has been an invaluable source of strength, but what I appreciated the most, was the unwavering love and support that Claudia and John have established between each other.  It provided a strong foundation which made them successful, as a couple, but ultimately as a family when things got tougher.  That foundation has truly had an impact on Chloe.  Her parents have helped her to push the boundaries of what she can do, so she can realize her dreams on her own merit and determination.  Trust me, Chloe has some determination!!  My heart was connected to this family from the first page until the last, and my hope is that you will feel the same!  If the Orrett family can make a success of this journey, many others can too....Reading this book is one of the first steps to that success!!

Claudia, John, Samantha & Chloe: Thank you SO much for sharing your journey! Thank you for including my story and journey in your book as well...It touched my heart!  I wish you much success with this book!

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

Behind the Mic Book Review: Carly's Voice- Breaking through Autism

I got "introduced" to Carly Fleischmann when I saw a video of her interview with Channing Tatum.  An instant smile came across my face.. Star struck by Channing, you say?  Well, Carly was, so that means I can be a little star struck too, doesn't it?  (Anyway, that's a totally different blog post within itself!)  I was amazed at the poised, bright, witty girl that just grabbed your attention through the screen.  Poised and in charge of the interview, yet allowing you to see that she was totally having a ''fan girl'' moment with Channing! My only indication that she might be a person with autism was her voice output device.  One thing is for certain though, when I watched that video, the consistent thought that ran through my mind was: "Oh, she is doing fantastic!! Yay!! Good for her!"  I had to pause and ask the question,"What did it take for Carly to get where she is today?"

Enter stage left, the book, Carly's Voice Breaking through Autism. Carly's dad, Arthur, gives you insight into the uncertainties of what the diagnosis of autism would mean for their precious girl while raising ''typical'' siblings, and at the same time coping with his wife's cancer diagnosis.  Quite frankly, special needs parents are superheroes, period. That's obvious from his side of the story. The last chapter is Carly's side of the story. You're the coolest Carly!  I got drawn into Carly's chapter because of her quick wit and hilarious slant on life.  By the way, how did you know, that I chose to do a combination of options 1 and 3 to get to the most awesome chapter?  It's that photographic memory of yours, isn't it?  You really rock it, girl!  In the same breath, tears flowed when I read how she remembers the day she knew she was different, yet yearning for the connection and normalcy of being just like her siblings.  One of the things she reminds you of in this chapter is, it's not that Carly never had a voice, she just needed a way to get it out.  And get it out she does!  She and her therapists, Barb and Howie worked tirelessly to find a way to let her voice be heard...Welcome to the wonderful world of typing, which allowed Carly's family to meet her and Carly to meet herself and discover her mission to show others with autism that they have an inner voice!  Once she knew herself and realized that she had valuable and relatable things to say.....her inner voice burst out and she blossomed!  In Carly's case, a quote from Hellen Keller says it best... "When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us". The Fleischmann family has certainly had their fair share of sadness, but in the end, because of sharing their story, their door of happiness opened, when they saw that, they kicked it open and used it to help others in a most eye opening, inspiring way!  Thank you all for sharing your story!

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

Behind the Mic Book Review: Riding the Bus with my sister

I got this book several years ago when I started hosting my podcast.  I remember being so excited about reading it, but then after crying in the first couple of chapters, (not the composed teary eyed cry, no, it's the tears streaming down, red face, UGLY cry!)...I decided that I just wasn't emotionally ready for the book.  So, back on the shelf it went for a long while.  Fast forward to the present... I'm writing this review, so you can guess what I finally did.  This book is so relatable on so many levels, for many people in varied aspects of life.  Today's fast paced life is so hurried and distracted that to slow down and take just a small breath, takes quite a bit of effort.  I related to both perspectives in this book.  I related to Rachel because I tend to want to do things or think things faster than my body can go.  If I allow myself to slow down and grasp the reality of my physical situation and it's impact, the reality is sometimes a hard pill to swallow.  When I think about it, though, stopping to look around allows me to take a better look outside my window.  What sorts of things could I get a better understanding of?  Especially from a person who possesses abilities that are different from mine?  I think the greatest lesson this book presents is the ability to push your comfort zone, ask questions, and take a good look inside yourself.  If you see something you'd like to change, like an attitude or a misunderstood perception of someone or something, you have an opportunity to do just that.  You'll find that when you make that change, you are the one who benefits the most!  Changing yourself is never a bad thing, it always produces the best outcome for you in life.  Rachel found that "Riding the Bus" with her sister, Beth, opened up new horizons.  She may have known they were there, but it just took time to bring them into focus.  When that focus was achieved, her love, respect and relationship was made new and stronger with her sister... Now that's pretty sweet for riding the bus!  Thank you Rachel for sharing your beautiful bond with your sister!  And letting readers like me, take the ride too!

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

With my sister Christine  :)

It all started around the kitchen table.... :)

Have you ever really stopped and thought about how important the kitchen table is in your house?  It’s at the center of where everything important happens.  Memories are made, decisions are reached, and bonds are forged.  In my case it became one of the foundation building blocks that would take me through my rough times.  I remember my Grandma and Grandpa Fischer’s kitchen table so fondly even to this day!  

That kitchen table was where I learned kindness, compassion, and support.  I grew up in a family where getting together and seeing everyone was a refreshing intimate time to catch up, laugh and rebuild each other!  When entering the house, I remember even as a little tike, a feeling of instant comfort and coziness inviting me in.  I was never ignored, but included.  I was cheered on, helped and most of all...LOVED!!   I was part of the weave that was my family.  I always felt like if I wasn’t there...I knew they would feel like something so important was missing.   I was never put to the sidelines or less valuable because I was different physically.  Everyone, including my parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents were a team, and we helped each other out.  When we were making food for a family dinner, I was always in my high chair close by or included in the action somehow.  Or, sometimes we would simply look at old photos or look outside at the beautiful lake down the lane.  Whatever we did, I was never far away!! 

Children learn by example. The example set by the people in my family was never unnoticed or unappreciated in the least!  As I have entered adulthood, and have learned to grow into my own skin, I’m incredibly grateful for the the time, patience and love I was shown by my family members!

All of us get caught up in the “on-the-go”, but it’s important to slow down and take time to be with family.  Nobody loves you like your family does. Nobody will cheer louder or harder for you. And your family will use all their power to lift you back up on to your feet when you fall.  Realizing the strength and need for the bond of family happens around the kitchen table.  Never underestimate the need for family time for all in the family. The routines and memories you establish now, will make an impression and be a source of comfort during those hard times. Trust me, you will be thanked.  The advice and sometimes tough love family members have given me sticks with me.  When I’m not confident in myself one day, I hear my mom’s voice say, “Honey, you are doing things you never thought you would be doing, be proud of that”!  Or I hear Grandpa’s voice saying,  “Whatever you choose to do, you can do it and I will support you!”

The support and belief in me from those whom I care about is easy to see now, and is the very thing that started the spark of belief in myself to accomplish things I wanted to do.  Home is where your heart is. Family is where your STRENGTH is...and it all starts around the kitchen table.

Sisters forever bonded <3 <3

My sister Christine and I.
Summer 2010

"Christine, let your sister in your room, open your door!"- this was something my sister dreaded hearing, as my mom said this from the bottom of the stairs.  I was usually outside her door, screaming at the top of my lungs, so my mom would plead my case for me!  My sister would eventually open the door, but with an "I'm doing this because I was told to, not because I want you around" attitude.  As her younger sister, everything she did was absolutely fascinating to me!  Her world of make-up, boys, and high school were "big girl" things that I just NEEDED to be in on!

Eventually, she realized that no matter what she did, nothing would ever keep me away!  She would come home from school, drop her books and run upstairs with her friend, Kim, and slam the door.....but, it wasn't long before I was crawling up the stairs to join them!

The truth is, my sister and I will be forever bonded, even though there is a significant age difference.  We are nine years apart and going through different times in our lives.  She is the mother of 3 beautiful children.....but I have yet to be a mother or be in a serious relationship for that matter - all those things aside though, the impact she has had on me as my sister cannot be denied!

She was nine when I was born and not one speck of jealousy was seen.  She had a human doll to love and care for, and care for me, she did!  Who, at nine years old, would put the interest of her newborn sister ahead of her own?  MY sister did!

She has always been a fierce protector of me.  While always seeing my potential, she never really saw me as disabled.  Always wanting me to be just like everyone else, she encouraged me to focus and move forward, not taking the easy way out!  She wanted me to have a good year during my freshman year of high school,  so she became my aide that year.  To this day we still laugh about the time we were looking for the girl's bathroom on the first day of school and though we both thought the bathroom looked strange....it took a while to realize that we were in the boys' bathroom!  We quickly made our exit!  Or the time when we were going between classes and she started talking to a teacher and without realizing it, she had pushed me into a classroom full of students during class!  Christine said the look on my face was hilariously priceless!! :)

Having a sister who has a physical disability has to have been hard on her.  I say it that way because she has never said it's been hard, but in the same breath, it must have been!  In most ways, I have had to take little steps to reach goals and have life experiences that relate to her in some way.  Usually sisters become bonded because they have gone through similar experiences....marriage, kids, boyfriends, break-ups, heartbreak....and I haven't even had some of those experiences yet.  So when I think of her, I wonder:  Does she ever feel like she has a sister who understands her and can relate to her?  Even though she sees me as not having a disability,  does she ever feel like the disability is a burden?

I never meant to be disabled, sometimes things just happen... but one of the most valuable gifts in my life, is a sister who loves me even so.  I have grown out of the need to do "big girl" things now, because I'm doing them....and loving it!  But I'm still fascinated by the person my sister is and has become.  I love my sister and will be forever grateful for the love she's shown me!  We are SISTERS!  Forever bonded!! :)