"My Special Angel: Raising a Child with Autism as a Single Parent" is now available!
In the first edition of "Silent Angel", Tim and I discuss Stephanie's physical and emotional growth from birth to age eleven. Now at age twenty, I attempt to catch up on the last several years and continue to share with families my experiences, only this time as a single parent.
This revised edition includes topics such as travel, dealing with seizures, and working through transition from child to adult services.
*This book is available in both print and e-book formats*
An excerpt of Author's Note:
In Loving Memory of Timothy A. Ravert
There are times in a person's life when one remembers that they're not immortal. Most of the time it is just after the death of a loved one.
After losing the love of my life of twenty-two wonderful years of marriage, I thought my life had ended.
The life I knew did. I was no longer part of a couple--I was now a single parent with the responsibility of raising a child with autism.
Through the dark, lonely days and nights that followed, I learned that although it seemed that my daughter and I were alone, we weren't.
The Lord is with us. He alone sustains and keeps us as we continue our steps in this life.
Tim was a loving, supportive husband and an incredible and fun dad. Stephanie and I will always treasure our fond memories. Tim will live in our hearts and memories. One day, we'll be re-united.
Professional Reviews
My Special Angel
"My Special Angel" was very uplifting for me. As the mother of a child with autism and a history of seizures, I was able to identify with all of the emotions that were so expertly expressed in this book. Ms. Ravert 's written expressions of love for her father, husband and her daughter are so pure that I felt as if I'd met each one myself!
As Christians, we sometimes forget that there are no guarantees that trials will not befall us during our lives. "My Special Angel" is a wonderful reminder of God's faithfulness to His beloved children and of His sovereignty in every area of our lives. Parenting a child with a disability is challenging, but what a blessed assurance to know that our God is a present help to us in times of trouble!
Miriam Owens
Rhema Designs, LLC
Author of Writes of Passage: Social Illustrations to Illuminate the Paths of Individuals with Autism and Other Developmental Disorders
www.rhemadesigns.org
www.faithoverdisability.blogspot.com
My Special Angel
We love hearing that our past guests share their Cruising stories with others.
These experiences are usually filled with great insight to the unyielding and limitless opportunity for those who live with special needs, to enjoy and
prosper from an accommodating vacation. Melody and Stephanie are two of our
treasured guests, who we consider part of our Autism on the Seas family, and we encourage you to learn and enjoy their experiences.
~~Michael Sobbell, Owner and Founder of Autism on the Seas
www.alumnicruises.org/Autism/Autism_Home.htm
Silent Friend
Three years ago, I met a friend that was free of worldly distractions, free of unwanted demands, and free of assumed expectations. Although I was in the capacity to enhance her living, the total opposite occurred, she enhanced my life…I owe her for that. My friend Stephanie has never made me feel overwhelmed or underachieved. We go through life looking for the sounds, noises, and volume to guide us from one moment to the next, but my journey with Stephanie was never silenced. I learned to communicate without being verbal, but still be able to listen. I learned how to communicate through learning Stephanie’s needs or wants without sound, but we talked. My experience with my friend Stephanie is one that I will cherish forever. I started this journey as a service provider, but I’ll end it with a long-life friend. To my friend Stephanie, I will always love you.
When Kathy finds a small stray kitten some amazing things happen. Story's from a Mom's view of the love, caring and patience needed when a child wants to own a pet. Recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. Delightful illustrations!
You May Be Single, But You’re Not Alone.
Being a great dad is challenging enough when you’re part of a two-person team. But now you’re raising your kids single-handedly. How can you provide the emotional, physical, and spiritual support your
When Kathy finds a small stray kitten some amazing things happen. Story's from a Mom's view of the love, caring and patience needed when a child wants to own a pet. Recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. Delightful illustrations!
