Being an Advocate for Your Child by Christine Bryant

Christine Bryant is our guest writer today. Christine has been an incredible advocate for her son, Joshua. Today she shares a bit of her story with us.

Being an Advocate for Your Child

by Christine Bryant

Having a child with autism is a challenge, but it can also be very rewarding. As I watch my son, Joshua, grow into a handsome young man of seventeen—and exceed me in height, I might add—I’m in awe at how far he’s come. Five years ago, he was completely isolated from other kids in middle school. His aggressive behaviors were so severe that the school didn’t feel they could trust him to be with his peers. My take on the situation, however, was this: If you cage a child like a wild animal, he will act like a wild animal.

Being the “mamma bear” mother that I am, I went to work learning state and federal disability laws about inclusion and the fair treatment of kids like Joshua. I started a support group for parents whose children have disabilities and went to a disability conference where I met others with similar concerns and problems.

It was at this conference that I met the Executive Director of Idaho Parents Unlimited, a state and federally funded organization for people with disabilities. We spoke for over an hour about the needs of kids like mine and I learned that my situation was far from unique. Kids all over the country are being isolated because schools don’t know how to—or don’t want to—deal with the children or their problems.

About a month after attending the conference I received a phone call from the Executive Director offering me a position on the board of directors. I eagerly accepted, wanting to take my battle onto a higher playing field. We organized state rallies at the capital, as well as programs and special events. It was a very rewarding experience.

But the best thing I got out of all the hard work and education was the ability to advocate for my son. Walking into a school meeting with the knowledge I needed to fight for my son’s rights was a wonderful feeling. And it worked. Not only was Joshua allowed to interact with other students his age, but he thrived. Yes, he still had some negative behaviors, but they were manageable and the longer he was allowed to participate in normal activities, the better he behaved.

Being an advocate for your child can be a little overwhelming, but regardless of how scary it is, you are the best person for the job. Here are three things you can do to prepare yourself to fight for your child's rights.

1 - Join a support group. If there isn't one in your area, then start one. It's not as hard as you may think. Put up flyers in grocery stores, post office, pediatric and doctor offices, and anyplace you can think of that a parent might frequent. If that doesn't work, seek out an online group that fits your needs.

2 - Learn everything you can about disability laws, especially as they pertain to your child's needs. Your state board of education will provide free copies of state laws either online or by mail. Also request a copy of the ADA guidelines. Ask other parents to share their experiences and learn from them. Attend special education conferences sponsored by disability advocacy groups like Idaho Parents Unlimited.

3 - Don't attend school meetings alone. It's your right to take anyone you want to a meeting where your child's special education program will be discussed. If you don't have a service coordinator, get one and make sure she attends. Invite service providers that your child sees outside the school setting, a more experienced parent from your support group, or a close friend who may have insight into your child's needs. If you still don't feel like you're being heard and your child's needs are being met, don't be afraid to involve a state provided mediator or an attorney. Do NOT let the school officials intimidate you. Stand your ground, but do it in a calm and organized manner with the laws on your side.

You CAN do this. It may take some time and the results may not be immediate, but if you're persistent you will see results.

As a junior in high school, Joshua’s become an important member of the student body. This past month he was one of three boys nominated as prince for the Junior/Senior Prom. Imagine my pride when I first caught sight of him in his tuxedo, ready to escort his date to the dance. He’s come so far. He is no longer that scared little boy locked in a cage; he is free to live his life. No limits. No one is holding him back anymore. And before him? A future filled with great expectations and hope.

Thank you so much Christine!

To learn more about Christine Bryant, visit her blog Day Dreamer.

Autism from a Tween's Perspective by Lisa Swinton

Today's guest post is written by Lisa Swinton. As a young teen (tween), she had a best friend who's brother was autistic. Lisa shares with us her experiences and thoughts while she got to know her friend's brother and how it's helped her as an adult.

Autism from a Tween's Perspective

by Lisa Swinton

One of my life long friends, Lauren, has a younger brother with autism. I first met Galen when Lauren and I became friends in middle school. Whenever, I would go to her house, Galen would say, “Hi, Lisa,” over and over again until I left the room. Or he would say, “I like your shirt,” or something else repeatedly to me. Naturally, at that age I had no idea why he acted the way he did and found it really strange and difficult to understand. Lauren’s simple explanation was, “He has autism.”

Well, that did not clear anything up for me at all. I think Lauren said that because she did not know how to tell someone else what autism meant, perhaps she did not understand it well herself and she lived with it on a daily basis. But I came to realize as I spent more time with Lauren’s family, that Galen’s brain worked differently and so he spoke and acted differently and at times, even his own family could not get through to him. I also realized over time, that Galen was friendly, good natured, liked track and had friends with common interests. I always took care to be friendly and kind to him and accept him as just different, even when I found his behavior confusing. 

Galen is a fairly high functioning person with autism. He was mainstreamed through most subjects in school and went on to attend a college in New Hampshire that caters to those with autism. He lives independently and has a job, but his parents live in the same town to be available in case he needs something.  

I have since come to know more people with autism and how varied a condition it can be. I am grateful for my early experience with Galen that prepared me for accepting people for who they are regardless of what their behavior is, autistic or not.



Thank you so much for your guest post, Lisa! On a personal note, this first year of middle school has been very interesting for me to observe. Just last night at my younger kids' school activity, a couple of girls came up to talk to me. They told me they sit with my son every day at lunch and shared some fun stories of things they talk about together. They also said some days, my son just goes into his own world and scarfs down his food as fast as he can. Those are the days his para helps him to slow down and interact with them. For middle school kids, these girls are very watchful. They pay attention to how my son feels each day and go with the flow. Some days are playful and fun - telling each other jokes through lunch. Other days they just try to get him to say hi and bait him into conversation by bringing up their favorite Wii games. They are truly sweethearts. 

I've also noticed that my son's track meets, there are a lot of kids who attend the home games and cheer him on. How awesome to know there are kids in this crazy mixed up modern world who have big hearts. Each time one of these kids gives my son a high-five, I can't help but imagine the incredible adults they will be one day and how they will share their love and acceptance with other families - just like Lisa.

Monkeys and Their Yummy Treats

I have some Facebook followers who asked me for my Monkey Bread recipe. What's Monkey Bread? It's a seriously easy treat to bake that my own munchkin monkeys totally love! It's a bit like cinnamon rolls but WAY easier to make! My friend, Sara, introduced me to this addicting dish. I'm not a big baker. The easier something is, the better because otherwise I'll mess it up.  =)  So, this is a guanteed easy (but delish) version of Monkey Bread.

Also, since we're talking about Autism Awareness Month, I know many people with autism are on milk-free diets. I will include some tips on how to adapt this recipe so it's milk-free below the original recipes.


Easy Peasy Monkey Bread

What you need:

18-20 Rhodes Frozen White Dinner Rolls
1 stick of butter
2 cups sugar
2-3 tsp cinnamon
1 medium bag of chopped pecans
Pam Spray
1 Bundt Pan
Caramel Sauce (recipe follows)

Directions:

1. Place frozen rolls on a Pam sprayed cookie sheets or 9x13 pans. Let them thaw until soft enough to cut - about 1 hour at room temp or 30 minutes with the quick thaw method on the back of the Rhodes bag.

2. Melt stick of butter in a microwavable bowl. In another bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Spray your bundt pan with Pam. Then set up an assembly line:  thawed rolls, butter, sugar mixture, bundt pan.

3. To assemble, cut the roll in half. Dip each half in butter, coat with the sugar mixture, then place it in the bundt pan. You want to create a full bottom layer, which takes about half the rolls depending on the size of your pan. Don't squish the rolls together, just gently place them together so there are few gaps. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the rolls.

4. Repeat Step 3 to create a top layer. The pan should be about 1/3 to 1/2 full when you are finished. You don't want it to be any fuller than that or the rolls will expand, bake over the top, and fall to the bottom of your over, creating a smoky "explosion" of sorts. Trust me, I know from first hand experience.  =)

5. Cover rolls with a clean dish towel and let rise for about 30 minutes.

6. While the rolls rise, make the caramel sauce. Spoon this mixture over the rolls. Recover if the rolls are not finished rising. They should rise to about an inch below the edge of the bundt pan.

7. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Then cover the Monkey Bread with foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This lets the rolls on the inside to finish cooking without burning the rolls on the top.

8. When you take the Monkey Bread out of the oven, remove the foil and let it sit for five minutes. Then flip the dish onto a large plate. The easiest way to do this is to put the plate on top of the bundt pan with the bottom of the plate facing up towards you. Then holding the plate and bundt pan, flip them over so the plate is sitting on the counter. The Monkey Bread will slide out of the bundt pan and onto the serving plate. Let the bread cool for an additional 10-15 minutes before diving in . . . or you may burn the roof of your mouth. Once again, something I learned from first hand experience.  =)


Caramel Sauce Recipe

What you need:

Small saucepan
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 Tbsp cornstarch
Dash of salt
1 c. boiling water
2 Tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 c. chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients together in the saucepan. Add the boiling water, then cook, constantly stirring until the mixture turns shiny and is thickened.

2. Remove from the heat, then add butter, vanilla, and chopped pecans.

3. Spoon mixture onto Monkey Bread.



Milk Free Adaptations

Luckily, the Rhodes Frozen White Dinner Rolls are milk free. So that makes the recipe MUCH easier to adapt!  Instead of using butter, use your favorite milk-free margarine. I personally prefer Nucoa if you can find it at any of your grocery stores. You can also use the margarine as a substitute in the caramel sauce. Everything else in the recipes are milk-free. Horray!

Enjoy this yummy treat!

Why I Chose to Work With Kids Who Have Autism by Todd McCarthy

Isaac & Mr. Todd at my son's first Orchestra concert.

Today's guest post is by my son's awesome Autism Specialist, Todd McCarthy. My son has been lucky to have worked with Mr. Todd at school for the last three years. His excitement and love for the kids he works with is contagious. As parents, my husband and I both have the utmost respect and admiration of his dedication to serving kids with special needs. I asked Todd if he'd share with my readers why he chose to work in this field. I'm so excited for you all to read his experiences and thoughts!

Why I Chose to Work with Kids Who Have Autism

by Todd McCarthy

As I was growing up, I had but one desire and that was to be a police officer. My family has a history of service in law enforcement that goes back over 100 years in this country. I played cops and robbers, watched it on TV and even studied it in college. I joined the US Army and served for eight years in the Military Police Corps.

Then I was blessed with the birth of my son.

I knew my plans would change as I needed to be there for him and have a schedule that allowed me to do just that. I took a job as a teaching assistant with a private school and loved working with kids. It wasn't, however, until a friend of mine asked me to help out with summer school for kids in special education that I found my niche. Within 10 minutes I knew this is where I wanted to be.

I have worked with kiddos with Autism for five years now and I can say without question that each day is better than the one before. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child who has struggled to find the ability to overcome obstacles in their lives make steps towards progress and independence. We are so fortunate, especially in the Olathe School District, to have such talented individuals and wonderful resources to assist in the education of these amazing kids with Autism. They are the brightest, sweetest and most amazing kids I have ever been blessed to be around. And that's what this job truly is...a blessing. These kids are a blessing from God and each day we get to spend with them is an opportunity to learn more, not just about them but about who we are and who God expects us to be.

Isaac & Mr. Todd on their last day of 5th Grade.

I had prayed that God would let me be a police officer someday. I am so thankful that his answer was no. I get to see God each and every day in the faces of these amazing kids.

Primary Angels - An Instructional DVD for Teaching Children with Special Needs at Church

For today's Autism Awareness Month post, I am reviewing and hosting a giveaway for Primary Angels. This excellent DVD gives step by step instructions and visual examples of how to teach a child with special needs at church.

The creator of this DVD is Annie Campbell. I've known Annie for about five years. I had the priviledge of working with her on the Friends of GIANT Steps board. Annie served as president of the board for many years. She's an active member of her local disability community and has been an advocate for parents as they navigate parenthood and special needs.

In Primary Angels, Annie takes a you through a five step plan. These steps include introducing yourself to the child with special needs and his parents, how learn about the child's needs, setting realistic goals, putting your plan into action, and following through with your goals. The DVD goes back and forth between an interview with Annie as she describes each step, then switches to a classroom type setting with a variety of children where she shows a real-life example of how to implement each step.

I absolutely love Annie's demonstrations on getting down to the same level as the children, using positive statements, and following up with appropriate reinforcements. Primary Angels is an excellent resource for parents, church leaders, and church teachers. I love that it's visual and shows such great concrete examples!

I also like that Annie has links to the reinforcers and classroom helps she uses on her website. I really like her idea for the Primary Check Box program. This is something all the kids in my Primary class can use as they pay attention to what they are learning in Sharing Time. You can find the game here.

Primary Angels is available for purchase on their website or through Deseret Book Stores. As part of Autism Awareness Month, they are offering two finger flashlights with each order placed through their website in April.

Primary Angels Giveaway

I have a special treat for my readers. You have the opportunity to enter to win a copy of Primary Angels! You have until midnight on Tuesday, April 12th to enter the contest. I will announce the winner on Wednesday April 13th. There are three ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment telling me if this would be for you or a friend, as well as what you hope to learn from the DVD.
2. Follow my blog.
3. Follow Annie's Primary and Autism blog.

*Be sure to leave a comment for entry options #2 & 3!


Happy Autism Awareness Month!

A Month Full of Autism Awareness and Giveaways

April is National Autism Awareness month. Usually each April, I spend the month writing about my experiences raising my son with autism, how I got through the difficult parts, and the blessings that our son brings to our family. This year, I am going to do something a bit different.

I have asked some friends to be guest bloggers. They each are connected to autism in a different way - some are parents, others siblings, and even others are professionals in the autism community. I am excited to share their experiences and knowledge with you. I know each will share his unique perspective of parenting with humor, important autism information, or genuine love of raising or working with individuals who have autism.

I also have some wonderful products to review and giveaway.

As my own personal contribution to giving back during Autism Awareness month, I am running a special promotion on pre-orders for my book, (dis)Abilities and the Gospel. For every 10 pre-orders I receive through my website in April, I will donate 1 book to a church, charity, or library. To make this even more fun, I will draw names from the pre-orders and allow those individuals to choose where to donate the book. My goal is to get as many books donated as possible in a wide variety of communities throughout the nation. To participate, please visit my website for more details.

I'll be back on Wednesday. Until then, tell me what you're doing this month to celebrate Autism Awareness Month.

Crazy Daze of Motherhood & Contest

I was once told that I should keep a journal of all the funny things our family did so one day my hubby and I could look back on it and smile as we relive those memories together. It was excellent advice, too. Well, one mother, Jane Isfeld Still, has gone a few steps further. She compiled some of her funniest motherhood moments into a book to share with everyone!

From the back cover

A mother's day is filled with all kinds of emergencies, from bumps and bruises to hospital stays. Find the perfect way to recover from your own family's little emergencies with Jane Isfeld Still's latest book on the hilarious daily challenges of a mother in the fray. You're sure to laugh and cry as you celebrate the joys of motherhood.

About the Author

Jane is married to Rick Still, who she believes has the distinction of being the only man in history brave enough to give her earwax candles for her birthday. They had six children in eight years, and while her children were growing up, she discovered she had a great sense of humor. At least that was her take. Rick once said to her, "Honey, you know all those real corny things you say all the time? Who ever thought you could make money at it?" Her son Adam once told her, "Mom could you please stop telling jokes to my friends? It's really embarrassing." One of Jane's philosophies is, "You're not doing your job unless your children are worried about being seen in public with you."



My Review

Crazy Daze of Motherhood has some seriously funny, laugh-out-loud stories! When I read Jane's first book, Mother's Daze, I thought, "There is absolutely no way one person could be this clutzy and off-the-wall funny." That is, until I actually met Jane in person and realized how true to life the stories in her book are! It reminds me something I read from a book I have reread multiple times called Guilt Free Motherhood by Joni Hilton. She said that no matter what your personality style is, YOU are the perfect mother for your children. Well, Jane's personality is just right for her family . . . and is a great example of taking difficult situations and findig the humor in them. This is a book I recommend for giving out to all the ladies you know for Mother's Day! But even if you aren't a mom, but like to read funny escapades - this is the book for you!

To read more about Jane and her exploits visit her website at janeisfeldstill.com or her blog at janeisfeldstill.blogspot.com  Her books are available in stores nationwide. Here is a link to purchase from Amazon.com




Contest

You can win a fun prize from Jane to help celebrate the release of her book.  Just go to her blog at http://www.janeisfeldstill.blogspot.com and become a follower, and then leave her a comment and tell her that you're a new follower.  You could win:

1. Mother's Daze basket, soap, chocolate, lotion, decorative candles, and recipe cards

2. Box of blank cards with a smattering of Canadian chocolate

3. Chocolate

Wrapping Up March Madness

Basketball lovers everywhere live for March Madness. I don't follow basketball, but I certainly related to the theme "March Madness!" This past month has been filled with so many unexpected blips and bumps in the road. I'm so ready to see the month end and begin with a fresh with the flip of the calendar page.

Once April hits, promotion for my book will begin in earnest. I can't believe there's only a little over a month left before (dis)Abilities and the Gospel will be released! My editor emailed to let me know they reviewed the printed proof, said it looked fabulous, and the first print run was sent to the printer. She also sent the final full book cover with the back blurb and endorsements. Isn't it awesome?

I think you can click on the picture and enlarge it to read the back copy, but if not, this is what it says:

Each day, parents and church leaders struggle to teach individuals with special needs. Using helpful information, real-life stories, and a touch of humor, (dis)Abilities and the Gospel provides ways for you to effectively teach people of all ages with autism, Down syndrome, bipolar disorder, memory loss, and other disabilities.
 

Inside this useful guide, you’ll find
• Guidance for building strong family relationships
• Steps to teaching prayer and scripture study
• Practical and creative teaching tips
• Programs to help with transitions, communication barriers, and behaviors
• Techniques to help others feel welcome and valued

Find the answers you need and overcome the challenges of teaching the gospel. (dis)Abilities and the Gospel will help you develop each person’s ability to learn and grow as you build peace in your home or classroom.

(dis)Abilities and the Gospel is a resource that may be read, reread, and used many times. . . . The authors have beautifully woven the frustrations that so many people have experienced into an action-living plan to help children with special needs.
—Lloyd Kinnison, PhD. Texas Woman’s University, Special Education Department

This book is an unexpected and very welcome gift to the community of churches and their leaders. It addresses so many of the problems that children, young adults, and adults with disabilities face in church activities.
—Brenda Winegar, Early Interventionist/Cofounder, Kids on the Move

This has been an amazing five year journey. I know it doesn't end just because the book is finally out and available to help families and churches. My role is about to change to a new course - one that involves more public speaking, church trainings, and encouraging parents raising kids with special needs to find humor, love, and hope each day. What an incredible gift this has become for me and my family.

April is also Autism Awareness month. I will be running a special promotion, as well as blogging about my own experiences with Autism, reviewing some great techniques and tools for families and church leaders, as well as hosting some great giveaways. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or my blog so you don't miss anything.

Happy end of March Madness, everyone!

YA Book Reviews - Lost Voices and Populazzi

I've recently read two YA books for Net Galley that I really enjoyed. They both come out late this summer, so be sure to either pre-order them or put them at the top of your "Books to Watch Out For" reading list.


The first is Lost Voices by Sarah Porter, which is scheduled to be released in July 2011. From the back cover blurb:

Fourteen-year-old Luce has had a tough life, but she reaches the depths of despair when she is assaulted and left on the cliffs outside of her grim, gray Alaskan fishing village. She expects to die when she tumbles into the icy waves below, but instead undergoes an astonishing transformation and becomes a mermaid.

A tribe of mermaids finds Luce and welcomes her in—all of them, like her, lost girls who surrendered their humanity in the darkest moments of their lives. Luce is thrilled with her new life until she discovers the catch: the mermaids feel an uncontrollable desire to drown seafarers, using their enchanted voices to lure ships into the rocks. Luce's own remarkable singing talent makes her important to the tribe—she may even have a shot at becoming their queen. However, her struggle to retain her humanity puts her at odds with her new friends. Will Luce be pressured into committing mass murder?

The first book in a trilogy, Lost Voices is a captivating and wildly original tale about finding a voice, the healing power of friendship, and the strength it takes to forgive.

My Review:

This book was difficult to put down. Porter created a fascinating underwater world filled with mermaids who have haunted pasts to overcome. Luce, the newest mermaid, struggles to adapt to her new life and finds herself smack dab in the middle of a mermaid royalty competition . . . Although she's just not sure she wants to be thrust in the spotlight, especially since she isn't sure if she agrees with everything the mermaids do. The ending caught me off guard, as I wasn't ready for it to end. But there are more books to come in this series and I'm looking forward to the next! This is a great book I recommend for anyone ages 12 +.

You can pre-order Lost Voices through Amazon.com:



You can connect with author Sarah Porter on Goodreads here.


The next book on my review cue was Populazzi by Elise Allen, which will be released in August 2011.

Cara has never been one of those girls: confident, self-possessed, and always ready with the perfect thing to say. A girl at the very top of the popularity tower. One of the Populazzi.

Now, junior year could change everything. Cara’s moving to a new school, and her best friend urges her to seize the moment—with the help of the Ladder. Its rungs are relationships, and if Cara transforms into the perfect girlfriend for guys ever-higher on the tower, she’ll reach the ultimate goal: Supreme Populazzi.

The Ladder seems like a lighthearted social experiment, a straight climb up, but it quickly becomes gnarled and twisted. And when everything goes wrong, only the most audacious act Cara can think of has a chance of setting things even a little bit right. 

My Review

Populazzi was such a seriously fun book! Elise Allen must have had a great time naming all of the high school clicks. Oh the memories it brought back!  Cara makes an excellent main character. I totally related to her - shy and uncertain, but oh how desperately she wants to fit in, find acceptance, and become part of the popular crowd. There were lots of laugh out loud moments, embarrassing episodes when I wanted to bury my head under my bed covers with her, and a few heart-wrenching-get-out-the-tissues scenes, too. This is a book I would read over and over again. In fact, I'm looking forward to adding it to my bookshelf for my daughter to read, too. This book is a must read for any chick over the age of 12. Women will enjoy this book just as much as their teens.


You can pre-order Populazzi on Amazon:



You can also connect with author Elise Allen on her Goodreads page.

My Book Cover Has Arrived!

Wohoo! The final draft of my book cover has arrived in my inbox. I am so absolutely thrilled with it. Isn't it gorgeous??? (I'm too excited to be modest and humble right now . . . )

I also discovered (dis)Abilities and the Gospel is available for pre-order at Barnes and Nobles and Amazon.



I'll also be putting a shopping cart on my blog and website this week for anyone who would like to order autographed copies. I can't wait for this summer's book tour. In the next few weeks, we'll have book signing dates to announce. It's all coming together. I'm so grateful this book is finally going to be available to help families and church leaders. What an incredible blessing! Thank you everyone for your continued support and encouragement. Much love to you all.

Love at First Sight . . . Or Not So Much

My Authors Incognito writers group is hosting a blogfest for Valentine's Day. The theme is "Love at First Sight . . . Or Not So Much."  The goal is to post a scene when two characters who will fall in love meet . . . even if it doesn't seem like it at the time. I decided to share the first chapter of my current work-in-progress, Rebound. Enjoy!  ***If you have a scene you want to share for the blogfest, be sure to hop over and check out the rules!

Rebound

by Danyelle Ferguson

Rebound \ˈrē-ˌbau̇nd\ verb: When the puck becomes available for possession after an attempt to put it into the goal has been unsuccessful.

*******

            “You're married?” Rachel shrieked.

            “Shh, keep your voice down,” Nico said as he looked to see if any of the nearby diners had overheard. It was the middle of dinner peak at 152 Sun Street Restaurant and the tables were filled.

            “Are you serious? You're married?” Rachel pushed her auburn hair back over her shoulder.

            “It's not what you think, darling.” Nico reached across the table, but Rachel moved her hands to her lap.

            “Really? We've been dating for three months. Three months, Nico! Now you're telling me you're married? What am I supposed to think?” Rachel searched his face for signs of something she must have missed, but all she saw were dark Italian good looks.  She leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes, beginning to feel light headed and nauseated. Dimly, she heard Nico talking, but she couldn't focus on the words. How could he be married? Sure he was gone for extended trips, often flying back to Italy where the company he worked for was based. But married? Never in a thousand million years would she have guessed he was already spoken for in a very permanent way. Had all the time they'd spent together—exploring Phoenix, making dinner together, talking on the phone every day—really been one big tangled web of lies? She could feel cracks spreading through her breaking heart.

            Then she heard something that made her sit up straight.

            “Stop.” Rachel interrupted his dialog. “Say that again,” Looking into his dark eyes, her gut began to twist and knot.

            “I said that if it wasn't for the kids, I would have left Denita long before you and I met.”

            “Your kids.” Rachel swallowed back tears. “You have a wife and children, but you're here. In this restaurant. With me.” She took a deep breath and leaned forward. “You make me sick,” she said in a low voice. She stood to leave, but Nico quickly blocked her. He grabbed her arm and pulled her toward him.

            “You need to listen to me, Rachel. Now sit down.” Nico's eyes glittered with anger. She attempted to step away but he pulled her closer to him. “Sit down, Rachel. I'm not finished yet.”

            Rachel reached down to the table, lifted her glass of lemonade, and threw the contents into his face. Nico gasped and released her arm, scrambling to find a napkin. She took the opportunity to grab her purse and get away—quickly weaving between the tables towards the front of the restaurant. Well, Rachel, she thought to herself, this is what you get for meeting people online. Didn't Dad tell you there were a bunch of loonies out there? But did you listen? Of course not.  As she neared the foyer, Nico caught her again and swung her around to face him. Lemonade continued to drip from the side of his face onto the shoulder of his expensive suit jacket.

            “Where do you think you're going? You came with me and you'll leave with me.” People waiting to be seated stopped talking and stared at the scene unfolding before them.

            “Let go of me, Nico. You're causing a scene.” Rachel said quietly. Instead, his hand tightened on her arm, making her wince in pain.

            “Excuse me, but I believe the young lady asked you to let her go.” The deep voice came from over Rachel's shoulder. Nico glanced up and his eyes widened, then quickly narrowed again. He slowly released her arm. Rachel automatically stepped away from him and bumped into a solid chest. She moved to the side and looked up . . . and up.

            Beside her was one of the tallest men she had ever met. Her head barely came to the middle of his chest. He turned slightly, blocking Nico from her.

            “Are you okay, miss?” he asked in an unexpectedly soft voice. Rachel couldn't tear her gaze from his deep brown eyes. All she could do was nod. He studied her for a moment. “Would you like me to call you a cab, unless you'd like to leave with him?” He motioned toward Nico. Rachel shook her head. When the man turned around, she saw Nico's face harden with anger and a shiver ran down her spine.

            “Rachel,” Nico said tightly, “this is enough. I'm taking you home, now.”

            “I believe she's changed her mind,” the man replied. “She'd rather make her own way home. You can say goodnight now.”

            Nico looked at him as if he were trying to decide whether to push the issue. He must have decided it wasn't worth it because he turned away from him and pulled his coat on.

            “I'll call you tomorrow, Rachel,” he said.

            “Please don't. I don't want to see or hear from you again. Just leave me alone.”

            “I'll call you tomorrow,” he said firmly. Then the waiting patrons watched as Nico stormed out of the restaurant. Rachel turned to face the man who stood beside her. She wanted to thank him but found she couldn't get her voice to work around the clog of tears stuck in her throat.

            “Would you like to sit down?” he asked her. Her grip tightened on her purse, she nodded her agreement. He motioned to the maitre'd. “Maxwell, please call a cab and let me know when it arrives.”

The maitre'd gave a slight nod in acknowledgment and turned towards the phone at his desk. The man who rescued her gently took her arm and led her down a short hallway into what appeared to be an office. Cautiously, Rachel stepped inside. He motioned to the black leather couch sitting in front of a large mahogany desk.

            “Why don't you sit here while I get you a glass of water?”

            She glanced back and saw he left the door partially open. Feeling slightly more at ease, she sat down. “Thank you.”

            Rachel looked around the room. It was very masculine. Simple black framed pictures of hockey players and teams lined the walls behind the desk. Curious now about the man who rescued her, she turned to watch him fill a glass with ice water. He reminded her of someone, but who?

            “Who are you?” she asked, then blushed at how abrupt that sounded. “I mean, I don't know you or your name. I was just wondering . . .”

            She trailed off as he walked over to the couch and handed her the glass. She had noticed he was tall, but not how big he really was. He was bald and had shoulders like a football player, which the combination of being in the office and him standing so near made her feel claustrophobic. Rachel took a sip, and relaxed when he took a few steps back and leaned against the edge of the desk.

             “I'm Graydon Gretsky. And I take it you're Rachel,” he said, extending his hand towards her.

            “Yes, Rachel Marconi.” Warmth tingled through her hand as Graydon shook it. She quickly pulled her hand away, placing it on her lap. “I really appreciate your help, Mr. Gretsky."

            "Please, call me Graydon. Mr. Gretsky is my father." They both fell silent. Rachel looked around the room again, feeling awkward and miserable.

            "Um, do you work here?" she asked, taking another sip of her water. She really didn’t want to drink it at all, the tightness in her throat making it difficult to swallow.

            "Actually, it's my parents' place. I'm managing it while they're away,” he replied.

            “Oh.” Rachel turned her attention to Graydon again. Something kept nagging at the corner of her mind. “So, who's the hockey fan—you or your dad?” His whole body tensed and became unnaturally still before relaxing again. The moment passed so quickly, Rachel wasn't sure if she had really seen it or if it had just been her imagination.

            "Um, both of us actually. My grandfather and dad both played. Any time we all get together, it's the only thing that can be on T.V. without someone complaining.” He hesitated, then asked, “Do you like hockey?"

            Rachel shook her head. "Not really. But my dad and brothers follow just about any sport—football, baseball, golf, soccer, bowling . . . I think I've interrupted them during a few hockey games to come to the table for our Sunday family dinners. Personally, I think hockey's too violent.” She looked again at all the hockey pictures, sure she had just offended a die hard hockey fan. “Well, it's not just hockey. I feel the same way about football,” she said trying to make amends. Graydon remained silent, looking at her in a way that made her feel like he was weighing her comments. She fidgeted in her seat. Suddenly, it clicked in her mind who he reminded her of. “Has anyone ever said you look like that guy from the movie The Pacifier?”

            Graydon's eyes widened. “You mean the kid movie?”

            “Yeah. You know, the one about the military guy who ends up babysitting the kids, changing diapers, and all that stuff? What was his name? I'm terrible at remembering celebrity names.” Rachel rubbed her forehead, trying hard to come up with the name that seemed to be just on the edge of remembering. Anything to keep her mind distracted from what had just happened with Nico.

            Graydon cleared his throat, “You mean Vin Diesel?”

            Rachel's head snapped up. “Yes!”

            “You think I look like Vin Diesel?”

            “Yes! You're both bald and built like over-grown football players—um, I mean . . .” Rachel faltered and blushed, fully realizing what she just said. She looked at Graydon to gauge his reaction. His lips were thin and his eyes were crinkled at the corners while mirth danced in the brown depths. "I'm sorry. I tend to put my foot in my mouth, or let it out as the case may be, but-” Rachel didn't even finish the sentence before Graydon unleashed a deep belly laugh. Great.  See what happens when you don't think before speaking? She wished the floor would open up and suck her into a dark pit; anything to escape the complete awfulness of this one humiliating night.

            A knock sounded on the door. Rachel turned to see Maxwell, the maitre'd, standing just inside the room. “Your cab has arrived, miss.”

            Salvation, Rachel thought, gathering her things and wanting to get out of there as quickly as possible. She stood up and bumped into Graydon.

            “Sorry,” she mumbled, hurrying out of the room.

            “Wait,” Graydon said, following her down the hall. Rachel almost made it to the front entrance without having to speak to him again. “Here, let me get the door for you.” He reached around her, opening the door. Sure, she thought, anything to get me out of here faster. She brushed past him to the cab waiting at the curb, pausing in her flight when she thought she saw Nico’s car parked at the corner. Has he been waiting for me all this time? She squinted, trying to see if it really was him, but it was too dark to tell if someone was in the car or not.

Once again, Graydon materialized, this time to open the cab door for her. Rachel just wanted to slide in and escape. She turned towards him, looking up into his eyes which were no longer laughing, but calm and warm.

            “Thank you for helping me earlier,” she said. She started to move, but he stopped her by taking her hand and helped her into the cab. He briefly squeezed her hand, then stepped back.

            “I hope you come back soon, Rachel Marconi.” He closed the door and waved the cab driver on.

            Rachel turned in her seat. Graydon was standing at the curb, hands in his pockets, watching her ride away. She faced forward again, leaned her head back against the seat, and sighed. The night flashed through her mind like a bad movie rerun.

            Well, one thing's certain. I'm an idiot. She wiped the tears from her eyes, pulled her cell out of her purse, and hit speed dial. But at least I'm an idiot who has Ben & Jerry's waiting at home and a best friend to share it with.