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Hello, I'm Gayle. I live in Phoenix, Arizona with my husband, son, and two
daughters, next to the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. My son, Kyle, is 22, and has
autism. He has been my greatest inspiration in writing of this book.
My first connection to autism began in 1960. That's when my brother, who has
autism, was born. I was later motivated to get a B.A. in Special Education and
teach in the public schools before embarking on my second career as a mom. That
was when my "real" education began.
One Saturday morning during a phone conversation, Kathy and I decided to write
this book together. I was feeling a little adrift. After home-schooling Kyle for
eleven years, he was now in high school. Writing this book turned out to be
great therapy, providing direction and healing. As I shared my initial essays
with other parents, I saw the positive impact my writing had, and this inspired
me to continue.
My first passion in life is my family. I also enjoy writing, decorating, hiking,
biking, yoga, tap dancing, travel, and spending time at my cabin in northern
Arizona. My friend and coauthor, Kathy, and I have perfected the art of the
long-distance friendship. This is one of the great joys in my life.
Hi, I'm Kathy. I live in North Central Florida on sixty acres (which we lovingly
refer to as "The Land") with my husband and two sons. My youngest son, Mark, who
is now 22, has autism. He is the "muse" behind the writing of this book.
My intention for this book was to put down on paper the meaning and lessons I
had learned on my journey with Mark. I found writing helped me remember, and
refocus on what I had learned along the way. I also discovered the stories
inspired me, and might possibly inspire others. My friend and co-author, Gayle,
and I have had an amazing, creative journey writing this together.
I love life and the people I share it with. I spend my days taking care of my
family and our home. I express my joy of living through my creativity. These
days that is in the art of writing, cooking, basket weaving, gardening, going to
the beach, and having friends and family over for get-togethers. I also enjoy
traveling with my family to new places, and old familiar ones. And because life
is good, I remember to have fun each day.
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