Set Apart
A Mother’s Steps to Peace
by
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AUTHOR'S NOTE
When my son was diagnosed with autism at a young age I wanted to read a book like this one. I wanted a crystal ball that would give me a glimpse into the future to assure me that we were going to make it safely through the wilderness in front of us. But unfortunately there was no crystal ball and I found no book. Thirty years ago when autism was unusual, all of the information I read described harsh medical and behavioral intervention and I found this in no way helpful.
I struggled as a mother of a child with autism back in a time when autism was rare and if I can offer any insight to others who struggle then this is the right way to do it. People are dealing with the autism epidemic in great proportions and they need to read something that is real and honest, informative and encouraging written by someone who has lived it.
I am happy to say that after many challenges my son and I made it through our wilderness together with nothing but humor, love and the grace of God. And although I cannot provide a crystal ball to predict the future I can through this book, share valuable insight and research about what we have learned along our way.
My hope is that families of children with special needs can relate to this story about a woman and her son and they will realize that when life does not go as planned, that God does have a plan for you and you are blessed to have been set apart for a very special purpose.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A heartwarming and inspirational real life page turner, Set Apart draws the reader laughing and crying into the lives of a mother and son who struggled with the diagnosis of autism at a time when autism was not a household word.
When Maggie suspects her son Ben’s behavioral changes are due to his reaction to the preservative thimerosal in his childhood vaccines she is faced with an urgency to protect him from harsh medical intervention. She develops creative alternative and often hilarious ways to manage and balance Ben’s needs and wellness. Her journey with Ben leads her to find supernatural strength, true love and she ultimately discovers that as the mother of a special needs child, she was set apart for a life changing purpose. Throughout this charming tale, Martha Griffin-Weis shows with time and unwavering faith and determination, how two lives can intersect, transform and blossom into something extraordinary.
A voice to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves, Set Apart: illuminates the need for cultural awareness and support for the special needs population with a light hearted, storytelling style making for entertaining and engaging reading for anyone who has ever known and loved a special needs individual. Set Apart has it all, lost love, female fortitude, insightful research and above all lighthearted humor regarding a sometimes overlooked population of incredibly lovable individuals.
Table of Contents
Author’s Note
Part I-THE FORMATION
Chapter One-Kappa in Stilettos
Chapter Two-Plaid Pants and Satin Sheets
Chapter Three-Muffycakes and Donuts
Chapter Four-Won’t You Take Me to Funky Town
Chapter Five-Bad Doctors and a Bad Mouse
Chapter Six-The Dog and Pony Show
Chapter Seven-If you’re Going to Make an Omelet, You’re going to have to Break a Few Eggs
Chapter Eight-Saints with Helmets
Chapter Nine-Don’t Worry Be Happy
Chapter Ten-Camping and Jackie O
Part II-THE TRANSFORMATION
Chapter Eleven-Fish and Forgiveness
Chapter -Twelve-Arrive First or Go Home
Chapter -Thirteen-SPED MOMS
Chapter Fourteen- I'm Taking What I'm Giving and I'm Working For a Living
Chapter Fifteen-Set Apart
Chapter Sixteen-It is Well With My Soul
Chapter Seventeen-If You Don't Like What You're Doing You Can Always Do Something Else
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About the Book
Set Apart: A Mother’s Steps to Peace traces the footsteps of a woman, Maggie, who gradually comes to suspect that her son, Ben’s, autism is caused by a reaction to his childhood vaccines. Eventually she learns how this diagnosis will change their lives. As the years pass, and he grows from childhood to adulthood, she grows in her love and compassion for him, her fortitude in the face of adversity, and her ability to leaven adversity with a sense of humor. Set Apart tells this mother’s story by describing the events of a rather normal life, one with its share of joys and challenges, that changes forever when the details and ramifications of Ben’s reality become clear. As they learn how to live with that reality, they experience the transformation of their lives. In the end, Maggie finds the peace she’s been missing and the power she needs to use her experiences to achieve a meaningful purpose in this life. Whether you have someone with autism in your family, or you know someone who does, or you simply find inspiring people who discover meaning and purpose in their lives, Set Apart: a Mother’s Steps to Peace will help you to forge a bond with a mother who overcame missteps and detours and found the path to peace in her life.
About the Author
Martha Griffin-Weis earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and communications from Denison University and a master’s degree from the University of Bridgeport. A health care professional, she speaks publicly about mothering a son with autism, revealing the needs autism creates.