Jennifer from Pinwheels has bestowed upon me a great honor —a Blogger Reflection Award. The award “should make you reflect on five bloggers who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and have been a Godly example to you. Five Bloggers who when you reflect on them you get a sense of pride and joy… of knowing them and being blessed by them.”
Then:
1. Copy this post.
2. Reflect on five bloggers and write a least a paragraph about each one.
3. Make sure you link this post so others can read it and the rules.
4. Go leave your chosen bloggers a comment and let them know they’ve been given the award.
5. Put the award icon on your site.
To steal Jennifer’s words (because she writes so eloquently that I want to weep sometimes…and often do!) —”These are my favorite sorts of blogging tags, because it’s full of kindness and good will. ” I agree; blogs that make me feel deeply often make me think deeply as well.
Without further ado, here are my choices–five blogs that make me think and feel inspired:
1. Life with Joey. Joey’s mom has taught me lots in the short time I’ve been blogging. She has a groundedness about her that is inspiring. Yet, she also has a strong sense of humor and is a fierce advocate for her sons —both of them, not just her autistic son. Through her, I’ve learned some practical tips, gained some new perspective, and realized I am not at all alone in this journey of parenting a child with special needs which include autism.
2. From Here to There and Back. I’ve tagged Kristen several times for many things. I can’t help it. I’m not sure how to describe it other than this: It feels like I have known her a very long time —maybe from a past life (if you believe in that)? Not that we know lots about each other, more that our spirits have somehow connected. She always has words of wisdom and encouragement and manges to reach out to see how I am even when it sounds like she’s in the midst of her own challenges.
3. Kristina at Autism Vox has been an inspiration to me. Through her archives of posts about her amazing son Charlie, and now through her daily posts about all sorts of things relating to autism, she makes me think about things I might not otherwise even notice —let alone actively consider how I feel or what I think. She has become my go-to link for quick sources of information about autism research, education, news, debate (of which there is always plenty!), and reflections on parenting children on the spectrum. I don’t know how she manages to do it all, but I am very grateful she does.
4. McEwen at Whitterer on Autism has been such a wonderful gift for me. She has her hands more than full with a houseful of kids, she straddles the line between Yank and Brit (with great translations for those of us who don’t quite understand some of the terms she might use), and she does it all with the damnedest sense of humor. God, the woman should be doing stand-up comedy, I swear! Whenever I need a good laugh (and the occasional tear), I stop by her site for a cuppa. Seriously, she inspires me with her ability to maintain a sense of absurdist humor in the midst of what can be very stressful. It’s a gift, a real gift.
5. Last, but definitely not least, is Sweet/Salty Kate. I found her site through Jennifer (Pinwheels) and have been voraciously reading each and every post. I can relate to so much of what she writes. I don’t really expect her to participate in this meme/award right now —she’s more than got her hands full right now. But I wanted to share her story and her incredible talent with all my readers. She is —to me—strength, dignity, and grace personified. Check her out; you won’t be sorry. (Make sure you read some of the recent archives, too.)
Thank you Jennifer, not only for tagging me and allowing me the chance to think about these bloggers, and their gifts, but for the gift of your strength, wisdom, and heart.
I stand utterly humbled, especially to be though of with the likes of folks like McEwen and Kristina. Thank you so much for thinking of me. BUt now, who am I going to tag?
Now I’m triply plus humbled—-it’s meant a lot to learn about Nik and to share your days by reading your blog! You help me to remember a younger Charlie—just as sweet and full of spunk.
Oh my goodness, I am also blushingly humbled. Thank you so much for the vote of confidence and kind words. I’m glad you can relate, because as we all know, near-insanity loves company, right?
Well I am truly honoured. I think we [I] forget that we’re all more or less in the same leaky old boat.
I’m so far behind with everything at the moment [holidays] but thank you so much for thinking of me.
Best wishes