I reconnected with a friend from my old block in Westbury, NY. Randy,her brother Michael, and I played with all the neighborhood kids almost every day. Those were the good old Westbury, Long Island days—the 1960s and 1970s. The “kids on the block” felt like cousins and family. In fact, my actual first cousins grew up next door to us. My husband Mitch always refers to Plum Tree Road West as my personal Tara (a.k.a. Gone with the Wind).

On the weekends, the kids were let out in the morning along with dogs ( no need for a leash or poop bags needed back then). The gang of humans, not canines, played kickball on the court. We also played Ringalevio on the lawns. (Tag game originated in the streets of New York City)

Randy’s mom, Millie, was a dancer for the Tommy Dorsey Band before she had children. Occasionally, Millie invited the neighborhood kids to their home. We were instructed to form a straight chorus line in Randy’s den. Millie tried teaching our two left feet the Cha Cha. She had patience, and I guess so did we. I wish I still remembered the steps. But I DO remember Randy and Michael’s wonderful parents!

Can You Find Me?

Time moves forward, and we pursue new paths in our lives. Sometimes we lose contact with those who helped build our foundation.

Reconnecting

Last week, Randy called me out of the blue. We chatted and reminisced, and it felt like it was yesterday when we last saw each other. Her memory astounded me as she knew my kids’ names and details! Yowzaa!

Thank You, Utah!

During our chat, Randy mentioned that a mutual childhood friend, a teacher in Utah, was asked to read my memoir, Raising Jess: A Story of Hope. This was to gain a broader understanding of the parent perspective.

Randy was intrigued and said she wanted to read my book​. I sent her my copy with a loving dedication ​about reconnecting and friendship.

So Grateful for This Review

Less than a week later, I received these texts:

Hi Vickie “O M G! I received your book this morning and I read it voraciously in one sitting.  it was so beautiful and inspirational. I was laughing at parts and I couldn’t stop crying at the Covid part. I’m still trying to get it together. I just wanted to thank you for all the love, but I’m still choked up. …the love and support that you had from your family, friends, and colleagues, “the village, “is just incredible! You were on an amazing journey, it’s good at this age to have hope.

I’ve worked in daycare for over 11 years, and the most enriching part was working with people with special needs. We always created a special bond. I was a caregiver for a few people, family, relatives, and friends, and I know what that takes. It’s so important to have an advocate who can speak for people who can’t speak for themselves. It’s so important, and it’s truly enriching to one’s life’s purpose.

Keep Writing

Comments like Randy’s never cease to exhilarate and motivate me to continue writing!  I am thrilled each time I receive a kind note of appreciation and identification with my memoir​, our story.  Hearing that it was “read in one sitting,”- “couldn’t put the book down,​” and “I’m in tears and laughing,  are inspirational words that guide me to overcome writer’s block and distractions.

The Real Struggles

It’s been three years since Raising Jess was published. I wrote the book to tell our family’s unique and sometimes quirky story and inspire hope in others. Getting the word out is tough ( Quoting a blogging friend and fellow author, Dr. Vicki Atkinson). “I originally thought that word of mouth,” and some advertising would be the trick. The trick was on me! But then, I received a note like Randy’s, which spurred me to keep going.

Do You Know A Parent, Teacher or Group?

​Please share this post if you know families, support groups, or special educators who will benefit from my book. 

Three years, many lessons, and a marketing struggle later—Randy’s note reminds me why I keep sharing Raising Jess!

Thank you, Randy, and to all my readers– I truly appreciate you.