Bill Carl, the Morning Host for FaithTalk 570 AM & 910 AM interviews Julie Ames. They discuss Julie's new book A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude - No They are not Okay...but It's Okay! Raising Special Needs Kids.

A Very Special Journey is more than a memoir. It is a story that provides guidance, hope, and education to parents and professionals who have or work with special needs children. Julie gives her readers the guidance they need to navigate their own way through the educational, medical, and legal waters that special needs families find themselves drowning in.

Julie throws a lifeline to other moms and dads facing the same challenges.  Conversely, by presenting the parents' perspective, professionals working in these fields will gain a greater understanding and ability to provide services in a way that is truly helpful.

Every parent has to know how to be their own child's strongest advocate. They need to know what questions to ask, when to demand answers, and when to walk away from advice they don't trust. A Special Journey will provide these tools.

Julie's story is about more than a mother and two challenged daughters. It is about more than autism. This story is about love, faith, and family. It is about learning to accept something that cannot be changed and to embrace the gifts we are given, despite perceived imperfections. We cry. We adapt. We reflect. We rejoice. Most importantly, we continue to live, love, and grow together every day. It is indeed a special journey.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Friends,

This past Mother’s Day we celebrated our 5th Anniversary. This will be our last show for a while. This is not goodbye but a pause on our current format.

*             Our website will continue to be a resource for parents and caregivers who are caring for individuals with special needs.

*             Our newsletter will continue to provide you with up to date information.

The Special Needs Family Hour and I are evolving.

*             I am completing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University’s accredited program, to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

*             My book, A Very Special Journey of Grief, Grace, and Gratitude, will be coming out in the next few months.

*             It is an exciting time with many things happening to include upcoming speaking engagements.

We appreciate our listeners, our guests who are making a positive difference in the world, our awesome sponsors, and our friends at Salem Media Group.

                                                          Julie Ames