I am the Proud Recipient of The Inspiring Blogger Award

Happy New Year Readers!  I appreciate you all, everyone of you who take the time and read my words, From the bottom of my heart, thank you foLOORs!!!

The lovely J from http://jsackblog.wordpress.com/ has given me the honor of Inspiring Blog Award. I love reading J’s blog because she has a profound way of expressing her  written words. I can relate to her. Her words are touching and very meaningful. We have many things in common. We have become great friends through the power of written expression. I am happy that our paths have crossed. I always follow along on her journey and read her blog. It is great stuff and I am really touched that she has given me a blogger award for inspiration. It means so very much.

There was a list of questions I was to answer upon receiving this nomination. You can read them below as I am glad to share them with you all.

 



Very Inspiring Blog Questions

1.Why did you start your blog?

Well, I first started my blog because it was a mandatory element for one of my last classes in my Master of Education program. I started a blog because I had to post topics from class and about all things related to education. I never would have thought to start a blog if it was not for that class. I am so glad that I did. My blog has turned into something special and really got me into writing especially when I decided to write my first non class post. It was about my son. That was in September of 2013. From that very first post of sharing part of my son's autism journey, I was hooked. From there I started writing frequently, sharing a little more of his journey each day, along with the stuff that was need to be done for class. Ever since, I became a blogger.

2. What is the book that you have read that has touched you the most?

The book that I have read that has touched me the most is The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz. But then there is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. Those are 2 great, inspiring books of wisdom. They have really touched me and made an impression on my life to stay strong and be positive. As well, we are so much more than we believe ourselves to be.

3. If you could eat dinner with a famous person who is still living, whom would you choose?

Oprah Winfrey. I admire her. She is very strong and empowering to women all over. She is an inspiration to go out and chase your dreams. She is very successful and always pays it forward. She is a role model in my eyes.

4. Where is the one place you have visited that gives you complete calmness?

One place that I have visited that gives my complete calmness is Quito, Ecuador. That place is peaceful and beautiful. You can smell hopes and dreams in the air. The landscapes are wonderful. The weather is amazing. The total atmosphere is beyond aww inspiring. And..that is to say the least. I love going to Quito and I feel very blessed to have been there many times with my husband and several times with our son, too.

5. Are you a bucket list person. If so name one thing on it?

I would not say I am a bucket list person but one thing that I really would love to do is to travel to Africa and stay there for a month to teach the children. I would bring them gift boxes of school supplies and clothes. I would help them read and play games with them. I believe that they would teach me so much more than I would teach them. This is definitely something that is dear to my heart. I would document my time there. In that way, I can show the children here how fortunate they are and how really good we have it. That, in turn, can inspire others to pay it forward. This can be done through donations among other positive things.

6. What is the goal for your blog?

I want people to read and feel inspired. A goal is to keep the readers engaged and coming back for more with posts that truly come from the heart with passion. With that will come featured publications with highly reputable sites that will share with with the world.

7. What is a day well spent to you?

A day well spent is a day that is with my husband and son. One filled with laughter and cuddles. A day where we smile, have fun and enjoy one another's company among great food, books and TV or spending quality time together going out.

8. How do you start your day?

I start my day by getting myself ready along with our son. I make an organic green smoothie before breakfast each morning. Then I will usually make coffee and breakfast.  On school days, I get my son up and ready for the day. I pack his lunch bag and give him his vitamins. He eats a little something then we wait for the bus to pick him up. After, I get my husband all set. The kitchen gets cleaned up and the day of creativity begins.

9. What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. It is my favorite because it is such a special day. A day of love to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Not too many words can explain it, but the day is magical and peaceful. It is so special to see children believe. We can learn so much from them. The smell, the wonder..everything.

10. Are you where you want to be professionally and if not, what will you do about it?

I am working on many things. I love to multitask, it is how I can stay focused. If I become overwhelmed with one thing, I can go continue working on another project. I always like to have something to do. I am working on promoting myself throughout all social media platforms. I am documenting all of my work. I am making a name for myself. I share my passion for education, art and autism and encourage and help others along the way. I put passion in everything I do and have faith and believe that my dreams are coming true. It is important to keep a positive attitude. I have my Bachelor of Science degree in Child Studies with a concentration in early childhood education as well I hold a Master Degree in Education with a concentration in teaching and learning. I am an educator, artist, autism advocate, photographer....the key thing is to keep me believing in me and know that God put this desire in my heart to share it with others. For that, I am thankful and blessed. I will keep on going, enjoying the journey that I must create to open doors.

11. What is your favorite quote?

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
-John Lennon

If I would nominate a blogger for this award it would be right back at J, http://jsackblog.wordpress.com/ She is a very inspiring blogger <3

I will have some nominations. They will be coming up. Stay tuned.



Thank you!!!!

It is such an honor.

Dany

 

 

 

Thinking of you, Avonte...

I get to hug and kiss my son before he goes to sleep tonight. I am blessed beyond words. I can not begin to imagine the horrible pain that Avonte's parents are going through now and ever since he went missing on October 4th, 2013. It is sad and truly heartbreaking to say the least. Not knowing the whereabouts of your son for months. Days and nights searching everywhere. This is a very tragic story. They are very strong parents because I do not know how I would have held it togethjer especially after the news of remains being found and waiting for DNA testing. I did not personally know Avonte but it hits home because my son has autism too.Avonte was unable to speak. I am so blessed that my son can speak. I though waiting almost 4 years was a long time to hear him talk. Anyways...

I have written a few blogs about Avonte in the past in hopes of someone reading and noticing to pass on the information to bring the boy safely home to his family. I have always prayed for him and his family. He has always been on my mind. When I read the news the other day, my heart just ached. I did not want to believe it. I do not want to imagine anyone harming a child especially a child with severe autism that is unable to speak. The thought is horrifying. Children are innocent. As we wait to find out the DNA results, I pray for his family and if it was Avonte that was found, I pray that he did not suffer. I can not imagine. Not at all. As a mom with a son who has autism. I do not want to. I can not help but be affected by this. No parent should have to go through this. Never. Ever.

This was something that could have and SHOULD HAVE been prevented. So many questions..I beleive the school has a lot of explaining to do. It can never bring a child back but they fall on total lack of responsibility. How do you let a child LEAVE the school ALONE, UNATTENDED? How is a child who has severe autism left alone when he is supposed to have care in school and a teacher with him at all time? What was up with those cameras? Really!!?? We all see this baby leaving the school..why??? Why wasn't he stopped? Why was he left alone?  Ugh!!! God bless Avonte and give his parents strength during this unimaginable time or heartache and pain.

We send our children to school to be taken care of by professional and dedicated people who have the child's best interests and well being in mind. What has happened here? Why has the system failed this family? I want to know and have a desire to know as a mommy, as a teacher and as a concerned human. These kind of things do not just happen and this is NOT just a mistake that can be brushed off. Yes we are all human and we are wired for being imperfect but this is totally unjust. A school, in New York..and no one, not a soul was there to see this boy leave out the door? What a shame.

Parents, hug and kiss your children tonight and tell them how much you love them.

As a teacher, other people's worlds are in my hands and care and I promise to love them as my own and protect them from harm. I will be there for them, never to leave them alone. I would want and DO want teachers and therapists to do this for my son and I believe they do. I am blessed to have  a great team supporting my son and his journey.

Avonte, God bless you. I have never met you but I just know you are Awesome. Peace. Love. Awareness. You have touched the lives of many. You did not have to speak, your eyes said it all. Peace and love to your family- especially mommy and daddy. We are all hoping for a safe return home. And, if your home coming has already passed and you are with Our Heavenly Father, please protect and watch over your family sweet angel. But still, there is Hope. Love Wins Always.