Interview in the Shade

After the stress of this week, I was so glad to get away from it all this afternoon. After getting a text message from Glenda, she & I agreed to meet at Turkey Run State Park, my fave place IN THE WORLD. Why, you might ask, was I taking a day off of my beloved job ?*sarcastic laugh*

Well, Glenda invited *ME* to be one of the stops on her Summer Sojourn Virtual Book Tour! So we met inside the park and made our way to the absolutely accessible Trail 11, which in spite of the nice paved surface, makes you feel a million miles away from civilization! *happy sigh*

After opening the cooler and getting out some ice-cold beverages, we began our interview with me sitting on some nice comfy pine needles, under a shaded tree, facing the awe-inspiring Glenda! She is the author of I'll Do It Myself, her story of her life and adventures with cerebal palsy, and a wonderful person to chat with. After she gave me a short tutorial in Glenda-ish, we started our interview:

Jana: You are labeled as "functionally nonverbal". What exactly does this mean? How does this affect your day-to-day communication with those around you? In a perfect world, how could their interactions with you be improved?

Glenda: According to the experts, my verbal communication is not clear enough to function out in the world. That is only because they don't take the time to listen to Glenda-ish. But then, how many medical professionals truly listen to their patients?

Jana: .000001%, according to my most recent calculations!

Glenda: It does make communication with others difficult; the phone is definitely not my friend! Because of this, I say only what absolutely needs to said when I'm around people not well versed in Glenda-ish.

In a perfect world, everyone would understand Glenda-ish or I would speak English. Until then, if people would tune out distractions and take the time to listen, then they would get the gist of what I'm saying. Watching my face while I speak also helps. And, I definitely don't mind repeating myself rather than being misunderstood. If "that's nice, dear" is the response when I say "you have a booger on your nose", than miscommunication has occurred and it is difficult to proceed with an honest interaction.

Jana: *chuckling dryly* No, that doesn't sound like quality interaction to me, either.

Jana: As a soon-to-be married female, I'm encouraged by the fact that you have a wonderful husband that you seem to really love. Any advice for those of us about to tie the knot?

Glenda: Congratulations! When is the big day?

Jana: June 28th, 2008! Nine months and 30 days!

Glenda: First, make sure your wedding day is your day. Many people will offer their suggestions, advice, and assistance. In the end, it has to be what you and your fiancé truly want. This day happens once; let it be your way. And, keep in mind, it is only the first day in the rest of your lives together, so keep some perspective on the planning, million little details and expense. Plan a day of fun and celebration, not a day of stress. Enjoy it!

Second, communicate! About everything.

Lastly, let the little things go. He will do things that will drive you bonkers. If they are truly inconsequential, let it go.

(Like I know enough to be giving marital advice!)

Jana: Well, you DO know more than me! *laughing*

Jana: Now that you have written & published your first book, do you have a different perspective on books that you read? Any fav authors?

Glenda: My reading generally consists of the O Magazine, when I get time to read. I now understand what my volunteer editor meant when she said I want my book to be timeless. Reading the magazine articles, I now see so much slang that wouldn't withstand the test of time; that is the difference between magazines and books.

Now, my heart sinks when I see books on sale because the unknown author makes so little per book as it is. That's one reason I decided to self-publish my autobiography I'll Do It Myself.

Jana: I see from reading your blog that you are a committed chocoholic like me! Congrats on your addiction! Any favorite sinful treats? (My personal fave is Reese Fast Break at the moment...)

Glenda: I'm not one who likes a lot of stuff in my chocolate; I like mine straight up! When I am having a craving, my typical fix is a couple of squares of Lindt's 85% Cocoa dark chocolate. Research indicates dark chocolate is good for the heart, so that still make it sinful? ;)

Jana: *wrinkling cute little nose* Ummm... yeah. Dark chocolate is icky, and I'm pretty sure it's an abomination to some god.

Jana: I have considered (and still am considering) becoming a foster parent to special-needs kids one day. I can see from reading your blog that your parents made a HUGE difference in your life. (Without them, you could have ended up HERE.) What advice do you have for the parents (foster or otherwise) of children with physical challenges?

Glenda: I commend you for considering fostering special-needs kids. From my understanding, it can be difficult to find care for that these kids.

My advice to parents is to love the children for who they are and as they are. Encourage them to try and to do their best, within their capabilities plus a smidge more because you'll never know their full potential until they reach for their stars. Be supportive and encouraging when trying new experiences. And, be a safe and reassuring comfort on those sucky days.

Jana: Glenda, I'm so glad that you stopped by my blog today. I hear that you are currently in 3rd place in the Blog for a Year contest! I hope our readers/viewers will head over there and vote for you.

As we hugged goodbye, and I watched her red Ferrari vanish over the hill, I smiled quietly to myself. In the course of the day, I'd lost an interviewee.... and gained a friend.

*Note: Check out Glenda's blog to see where her next day's adventures will take her as her tour continues!