“I was told to keep it a secret-
something might be wrong
with my child.
I was told to wait for the assessment
before we exposed our fears,
exposed the nightmares
unfolding in our minds.” excerpt from “All I Have To Be” by Jennie Linthorst
When I was asked to review the book of poetry Autism disrupted: A Mother’s Journey of Hope from Jennie Linthorst, I was honored to say the least. But I was also nervous. The last time I read a book of poetry was my sophomore year in college, which was longer ago than I care to admit. So when the book came in the mail, I figured I’d read a few poems and let them sink in.
I read the book cover to cover in one sitting.
I know it’s cliché to say that Jennie’s words moved me. And I know it’s even more cliché to say that these poems changed my life. But if you know me, you know I don’t speak cliché.
The book wasn’t just a collection of Jennie’s poems. They told a story. Her story. One that was just like mine. …continue reading
