Finding Mary

[stoner]

Here's a recently published book by first time author, Randy Robertson. I don't have much to say about the book, as I recently ordered it on-line. I'm looking forward to having it delivered on my doorstep very soon. :)

It was in the fall of 2005 when I decided to leave the comfort of the classroom, and explored other areas related to my profession. The very first child that I worked with during this time was a four-year old girl named, Mary Robertson. The first time I met Mary, she displayed most (not all) of the traits often exhibited by individuals with autism. I had my share of fantastic and not-so-fantastic days working with Mary, and I kept reminding myself never to give up on and her, and her family - almost always on a daily basis. Though my sessions with Mary only lasted for one school year, it was one of the most memorable experiences that I have/had, given the vocation that I chose in life.

Mary's father, Randy Robertson (whom I still keep in touch with to this day) wrote a book about his (and his family's) journey towards her recovery from autism, and it has been published! I am just thankful - that in some form or another - to have played a small part in Mary's wellness and journey. Now, I can't wait to get my hands on that book!

Last I checked, the book is available through most on-line retailers. Writing a review is strongly encouraged if you have already purchased and read it.

[**Sapphire**]

Interesting stoner, I just may have to do a little looking around to read some comments/reviews about the book.

Thanks for sharing with us. When you get the book & read it, let us know how you liked it.

[stoner]

Amazon delivered the book on my front door as promised last Tuesday. I'd been reading the book for two days now, and all I can say is that I am deeply touched. It is very easy to read, chapter after chapter. In the chapter about "me," I am very impressed overall about Randy's account of the sessions I worked with his daughter in their humble abode. There were other curricular practices that he mentioned in the book that I had completely forgotten! I laughed when he mentioned "Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles. It was initially a joke, but it turned out to become one of Mary's favorite songs. When it was time for music, she requested for "Mr. Sun." Being the Mr. Smartypants that I was I mischievously played The Beatles' song instead. To Mary's delight, she fell in love with the song, and it became the very first song she requested every time we would engage in a music session ... and it remained that way until we parted ways. This is going to sound very corny - considering that I'm a guy - but the book is very sincere, emotional and heartfelt that it got me teary-eyed in some parts.

I would love to write a review, but I'd rather not, for I don't want to add any conflicts of interest ... I'm in it for crying out loud - with a photograph to prove it! :D Sometimes, I wished that I had asked Randy to use a pseudonym rather than my name. I'm not here to collect any brownie points or anything. Mary is definitely one to call a triumph and success, in my years of practicing my profession. But I also had my share of mistakes and failures with other students and families - a good amount to which I myself am not proud of. I had been dropped of a case quite a few times, and learned over time, to accept that "I win some, and then lose some" in the process. But it's when I drop a case that really aches deep inside of me - regardless of the purpose behind my action(s).

Overall, I am deeply touched by a father's love toward his daughter, and the entire family's journey to bring Mary back out of her self-encasement, due to autism.

[**Sapphire**]

Sounds like a really great book stoner! :)