Celebrity Status

I've met quite a few celebrities in my time. When I lived in New York, we had several who were regulars at the grocery store I worked at. They say the camera adds 10 pounds, but after running into (litterally) Mark Gastinau, former New York Jets player in the produce isle, I don't see how he could be any bigger. That man was a walking wall, and very polite. He appolgized for my running into him, LOL! I've met members of Stryper, Guardian, Whitecross, Twisted Sister, racecar driver Kenny Wallace, and drag bike racer Reggie Showers. Strangely, I met all of these people when I really needed their influence. I actually prayed with Oz Fox of Stryper and Tony Palacios of Guardian. How cool is that?! I admire these people, not because they are "stars," but because they took the time to reach out to me. I thank God for each of these special, albiet brief encounters. All of this pales in comparison to the message I got last night. Christine Moers friended me on facebook and even took the time to answer a message I sent her.

Who is Christine Moers, you ask. Only the person I want to be when I grow up, but since I'm a few hundred years older than she is, that is not likely. She is the "Yoda" of trama parenting. She's got the coolest sense of humor and as far as parenting RAD-- she just gets it! She's got the best videos on theraputic parenting on Youtube. She has the most awesomest blog at welcometomybrain.net. She's saved my tushie more than once and didn't even know (until last night) that I existed. She makes dreds look plush and living in a trailer park chic.

When I first found out that E had RAD, I asked a friend who has an adopted son who also has it for some help. She gave me a program by Nancy Thomas. It was what I needed at the time. I found some of her techniques a little harsh, but I figured "I have a brain. I can use what I feel will work and ignore the rest." My parenting came miles and so did my little dimple face. Unfortunately, I needed some "booster shots" as I encountered different behaviors, and that program was of no help. I drug my husband to a training on RAD at the Department of Human Services, and the speaker intoduced us to Christine via Youtube. I was in love. He showed us her vid on "When our children get stuck." I had used some of the same techniques, but it was great to get the validation that I was on the right track. When we got home from the training, I pulled up all of her videos and watched them. I was up until after 2:00, but it was worth it. I have since followed her blog and found other blogs from other trama mamas, and they have become my "silent mentors."

Last night, after reading her blog, I decided to send her a message on facebook. I accidentally hit "friend" instead of "message." so I quickly sent her a message thanking her for being such an inspiration. Big surprise, she accepted my friendship request, and answered my message. I was thrilled. I realize that she does not believe she is a celebrity, but in my eyes (heart and mind,) she is a star. Thanks Christine! You'll never know how much you mean to me and my family.