Hello there,
I’ve been writing about life with my special needs daughter since she was a toddler. She is by far the most interesting person I know. Like many people who are wired differently, she’s been misunderstood, and sometimes dismissed. I have a deep desire for the world to know more about her, and others like her. Understanding, acceptance, compassion, respect—these are the seeds from which meaningful change can grow.
I know lots of people who love and care for someone with special needs of one type or another. Many— like me—parent an adult child who will need lifelong hands-on boots-on-the-ground care and advocacy. There is a beauty to this road less taken. It’s also a long-haul path marked by isolation and burnout. I like to imagine a society that recognizes and values caregivers (without whom things would fall apart) and provides more support along the way. Perhaps, by sharing my story, some readers might gain a different perspective about their neighbor, the person who bags their groceries, or a friend or relative who is providing care for another.
Back to the writing. It took me a long time to begin submitting work for publication—due partly to lack of confidence (would anyone read it? Is it interesting?) and partly due to the time and energy- consuming nature of caregiving. Writing has usually been way down at the bottom of the list.
My first book Little Pockets of Glow is the culmination of about 10 years of work. Birthing a book is a laborious process. What feels even harder? The self-promotion piece that goes along with introducing it to a larger audience. I’m an introvert, most at home in deep conversation with one person.
I’m the woman in the corner quietly observing the world around and within me. Writing is a way to translate the richness of my experiences via woven words on a page. That said, I want my book to reach more folks who might see themselves in the pages, or learn a bit more about what “special needs” can mean and what the life of a caregiver is really like. So I’m learning to let the passion I have for my daughter, for so many other individuals with special needs and their families, and for my stubborn vision of a kinder world to push me forward with promoting this newborn book.
How about you? Do you have trouble promoting your work, speaking up and out, advocating for yourself and others? I’d love to learn about your own journey.
May some moment of your day—a glance at the resplendent foliage, a warm interaction with a passing human—awaken your wonder.
–Melinda Coppola
PS: I’m deeply grateful to those of you who have already bought Little Pockets of Glow and to those who’ve shared kind words privately or via a review on Amazon or Good reads. So many thank yous—it means the world to me.
My official book launch is on Saturday 11/1, 2 pm at the Dedham Community House at 671 High Street
Dedham, MA I’ll be reading from my book and signing them. In addition to books for sale there will also be art by myself and my daughter as well as art by several other artists who have autism. RSVP necessary at (781) 864-6595 or melindacoppola@gmail.com.
Stepping into the River of Song