The world according to Lori

Joel Burns: The speech heard around the world

2010-11-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

Let me be one of the first to admit that I had never heard of Joel Burns prior to October 12, 2010. Then again, I don't often hear about city council meetings making national headlines.

Burns is the councilman in Fort Worth, Texas who gave this heartfelt, poignant and emotional speech about bullying and teenage suicide. If you're the type of person who sheds tears easily, I strongly urge you to keep a box of Kleenex close by.

"One day when I was in the ninth grade I was cornered by some older kids who roughed me up," Burns said, sharing his own personal story about the time he was bullied as a teenager in his hometown of Crowley, Texas. "They said that I was a f*****, and that I should die and go to hell where I belonged. That erupted the fear that I had kept pushed down, that what I was beginning to feel on the inside must somehow be showing on the outside. There must be something very wrong with me, I thought. Something I could never let my family or anyone else know."

He then attempted to recall one of his darkest moments following that incident but decided it would be too difficult for him to read aloud out of respect for his parents.

"I think I’m going to have too hard a time with the next couple of sentences that I wrote. And also, I don’t want - I don’t want my mother and father to bear the pain of having to hear me say them…" Burns said as he began to cry.

He paused a while before continuing.

"I have never told this story to anyone before tonight - not my family, not my husband, not anyone," he said through sobs. "But the numerous suicides in recent days have upset me so much and have just torn at my heart. Please stick around to make those happy moments for yourself…Give yourself a chance to see how much better life will get. Yes, high school was difficult, coming out was painful but life got so much better for me. Please, live long enough to be there to see it. To those who are feeling very alone tonight, please know that I understand how you feel, that things will get easier. It may not seem like it tonight, but they will."

If any of you are having problems because of past bullying experiences or are just curious as to what bullying victims like Burns have or had to go through on an almost daily basis, just watch this video in its entirety. You will be touched by it - I know I was. I've learned the hard way that although there may be some difficult points in our lives, it goes to show that it will indeed get better. And it has gotten better for me. We should live our lives the way we want to and never, ever, let any bullies dictate that for us. I sincerely hope that we all take Burns' words of wisdom, hope and encouragement to heart and give ourselves a chance at life.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T06:26:00.000-08:00

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!! :-)

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T06:04:00.000-07:00

Wishing everybody in the USA a happy Memorial Day!! :-)

Daylight Saving Time

2009-03-07T17:51:00.000-08:00

For those of you who observe Daylight Saving Time, don't forget to set your clocks an hour forward at 2 a.m. on Sunday.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

I hope everybody had a happy Valentine's Day!! :-)

25 random things about me

2009-01-26T07:31:00.000-08:00

1. I have lived in 3 different states - Louisiana, Oklahoma and California.

2. I took my first plane trip when I was just a month old, flying with my family from Baton Rouge to Oklahoma City so that my father could finish his graduate studies at Oklahoma State.

3. When I was 9 months old, a bout with the flu left me with minor brain damage.

4. I learned to read before I spoke my first words.

5. I love to write as it has been one of my lifelong passions.

6. I used to be active in Girl Scouts.

7. I was named for both of my grandfathers.

8. I have a weakness for anything sweet and will occasionally splurge.

9. I prefer watching sports over soap operas.

10. I have a scar on my left ankle from getting my foot caught in a bicycle wheel when I was 2 years old.

11. I am trying to save some money for a trip to France next year - it will be my first trip outside North America.

12. I will turn the big "4-0" on August 11th. No plans as of yet.

13. I have a unique sense of humor which I inherited from my father.

14. I started dedicating my life to Christ in 1996. Since then, I've rarely missed church except for a couple of times.

15. I'm a big person with a big heart, always willing to help in a pinch.

16. I have five spoiled cats, all of them "senior citizens."

17. I am blessed to have a lot of church friends.

18. I am a shy person by nature but will open up once I get to know people.

19. I always sleep with the fan on at night, no matter how hot or cold it is.

20. I collect autographs.

21. I like to take pictures and believe in the expression, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

22. I always make sure to bring my camera when traveling or going to events such as a wedding, party or shower.

23. I have narrow feet which sometimes makes it hard for me to find shoes that fit.

24. I always like to read the sports section while I am eating breakfast.

25. I always make sure to thank God for everything.

Barack Obama becomes U.S. president

2009-01-20T09:07:00.000-08:00

I, like many of you here and around the world, have witnessed history being made. Barack Obama has been sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America, becoming the first African-American to hold the nation's highest office.

Let us all support him in his endeavors.

Abby: King’s message still rings true today

2009-01-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

I got this from today's "Dear Abby" column.

Dear Readers:

Today we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. — the great American civil rights leader, martyred in 1968, who dedicated his life to furthering equal rights for all Americans.

When King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, he said: “Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”

With bloodshed and violence still such destructive forces in this world, there is much to be learned from his insight, his wisdom and his example.

~ABBY

Today is the day we observe the birthday of the greatest civil rights leader to have ever lived. Like Jesus, Dr. King sacrificed his life so we could fight for ours. We should do what we do best and continue to honor his legacy.

Some more law-related articles on autism

2009-01-15T11:12:00.000-08:00

Special-needs Girl Scout troop rejects girl with autism, saying she poses a "danger" to others
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/AutismNews/story?id=6325522&page=1

Woman fights church decision to ban autistic son from attending services
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/Autism/story?id=4980885&page=1

Autistic kids allegedly cuffed, told to fight
http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=5825945&page=1

Father outraged that teacher convicted of hitting his autistic son still being paid
http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/Local/article/165790

8-year-old autistic girl taken from school in handcuffs

2009-01-15T07:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.kxly.com/global/story.asp?s=9669140
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=6640478&page=1

After reading these articles, I think school officials went a little too far. They should have found a better way to handle the situation without resorting to arrest. She should have simply been allowed to wear what she was wearing to the party. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

Atlanta Braves go east to find a free agent - Far East, that is

2009-01-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

After being spurned repeatedly in their attempts to sign free agents, the Atlanta Braves managed to land one - from Japan.

Kenshin Kawakami, a 33-year-old right-handed pitcher, becomes the first Japanese player in franchise history. Kawakami, who played 11 seasons for the Central League's Chunichi Dragons, signed a three-year contract.

Kawakami, along with another free-agent signee, Derek Lowe and offseason trade acquisition Javier Vazquez, should help boost the Braves' starting rotation in 2009. Third baseman Chipper Jones, who had earlier criticized the team for failing to re-sign longtime ace John Smoltz, said that Kawakami has the ability to succeed in the American major leagues.

Don't know if Paul Harvey really said this, but it is wonderful‏

2009-01-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

HOORAY, HOORAY, HOORAY for Paul Harvey. I myself have been grumbling and wondering how a handful of people have been able to take our right to pray in public places away from us.

Folks, this new year is when we RE-TAKE AMERICA .

Paul Harvey says:

This is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles.

One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.

Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep.Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.

God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me.

The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want. It is time that the majority rules! It's time we tell them, You don't have to pray; you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right; but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN!

God bless us one and all ... Especially those who worship Him , God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all. God bless our military who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.

Let's make 2009 the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions .. And our military forces come home from all the wars.

Keep looking up.

'AND THAT'S THE REST OF THE STORY' .

Random acts of kindness

2009-01-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

Although the economic situation may be uncertain, simple acts of kindness may be one of the few supplies we have an abundance of. A generous act, whether it be by a close friend or a complete stranger that we've never met, can brighten the mood of both giver and receiver.

Here's an example of one: At the produce stand at the Wachovia building downtown in Atlanta, GA, two strangers paid for an elderly woman’s purchase. They apparently didn’t know each other and/or her but split the cost between them. The act touched many people, including the elderly woman.

I'm sure that we've all been touched in one way or another, whether we have done something for somebody else or they have done something for us. Offering to pay bills. Picking up the tab in a restaurant. Buying clothes and supplies for people who are poor or homeless. Helping somebody carry groceries to their car. Mailing a card/letter to or visiting somebody who lives alone. Visiting elderly or disabled people who are in the hospital or live in a nursing home. Babysitting the young ones in an emergency. Giving a ride to somebody who lacks transportation. Lending an ear to somebody who needs to get something off their chest.

The opportunities are endless.

Check out this site

2009-01-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

Here is the link to a blog written by my friend Arlene Culpepper:

http://www.whatisupwiththisworld.blogspot.com

Being a legal professional, she always has an interesting perspective about what is going on around the nation and around the world. Feel free to check it out.

Aspergers family

2009-01-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

Here is a great blog about a family with Aspergers, go check it out:

http://www.mylifewithaspergers.com/

New year, new beginnings

2009-01-04T14:13:00.000-08:00

New year, new beginnings…We try to put whatever happened in the past year behind us and focus on what lies ahead of us. In other words, we should try to start off with a clean slate and not one that is all written on. We eat black eye peas to bring us good luck and make resolutions which we sometimes forget about. So let’s cast all our worries aside and start fresh for 2009.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

Wishing everybody a Happy New Year!! :-)

I'm watching college football all day and eating black-eye pea jambalaya with cabbage. There isn't a better day to relax and kick back.

Recipe for a wonderful new year

2008-12-31T09:44:00.000-08:00

Recipe for a wonderful new year

First, take twelve finely-aged months and see that they have been thoroughly peeled and cleaned of any lingering bitterness, resentment, envy or spite. Pick off any unpleasant memories that may remain and wash away all feelings of anger and hatred. Make sure that these years are completely cleansed of the past.

Divide these months into parts, 30-31 per month (one month may only have 28). A full batch will keep for a year, so do not attempt to prepare the entire batch at once. Prepare one day at a time, as follows:

Into each day mix these ingredients:

Faith
Patience
Courage
Work
Hope
Devotion
Faithfulness
Liberality
Rest
Prayer
Meditation

Knead all ingredients together with love, grace and kindness, then place on a well blessed sheet of honor.

~ Bake with joy and optimism! ~

~ Author Unknown ~

Another new year fast approaching

2008-12-30T08:20:00.000-08:00

One more day and then another year will have come and gone. Boy, does time fly when you least expect it to. Be safe wherever you are.

Snowflakes by Valerie Jacobs

2008-12-27T18:35:00.000-08:00

Snowflakes
By Valerie Jacobs

Snowflakes. No two are ever the same. Besides being fascinating, they are all shaped from their own molds. Yet they are classified by one word.

That is how I think of the Autism Spectrum. ASD currently includes Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and PDD-NOS.

Autism presents itself through delays in the areas of social interaction and communication. It often causes the individual to display repetitive behaviors. People with Autism often have problems interacting with others in what is considered typical ways. Eye contact can be diminished and interest in others can be decreased. Communication can cause the person to be non-verbal, or need the assistance of sign language, pictures and other assistive technology. Often, the sensory system can be distorted causing him to seek unusual ways of calming himself. Within Autism, people can have various function levels. It is widely agreed that those who are “NT” (neuro typical) underestimate what autistics are capable of achieving and understanding.

Asperger’s Syndrome is very similar to the above, but generally the individual has normal or near normal communication skills. This is indicated by the use of single words by the age of 2, and use of phrases by the age of 3. Self help skills and cognitive development are also on target. Aspie’s, as they are often referred to, have significant social deficits and difficulties.

PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified) is the diagnosis made when some symptoms of Autism are present, but not all of them. This is still an area not agreed on by all physicians in the field as it is not a black and white diagnosis.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is noted later in childhood and diagnosed by the loss of skills previously achieved in the areas of language, social skills, bladder and bowel control, play and motor skills. Rett’s disorder also happens after a period of normal development. Although fairly rare, these two disorders are included on the Autism Spectrum.

Only some of us live in areas where we see snowflakes on a regular basis. Some people live their whole life never experiencing snow. But those of us who have often agreed that snowflakes are beautiful and intriguing. So are those on the Autism Spectrum. They are unique individuals who add character to the environment and help us to see the world from another point of view.

Happy New Year

2008-12-27T09:35:00.000-08:00

Wishing everybody a safe and happy new year!! :-)

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T09:20:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take time to wish a Merry Christmas to all of you.

Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. Even though I'm long into adulthood, it makes me feel like a kid again when opening gifts.

May you and yours enjoy this very special day.

Tis the day before Christmas

2008-12-23T16:54:00.000-08:00

Tis the day before Christmas.
The tree is up, loaded with presents.
The stockings are hung on the fireplace with care.
The mice are a stirring, and so are the dogs and birds.
The cookies and breads are made.
All is left are baking the pies and making the fudge.
Before preparing the big Christmas dinner.
Still waiting on the mail to deliver packages that are over due.
All the Christmas parties were attended with great fun.
Most of the Christmas shows had been watched, with few not seen yet.
Christmas cards and letters has been sent.
Christmas wishes has been met.
Now we are waiting on some snow, instead of ice.
Santa will have no problem landing his sleigh.
With all this ice, he may just slide away.
Unless he has chains or spikes.
So I in my night gown, is ready to settle.
No longer have to worry,
About the hussle and bussle.
Just snuggle in for the winter blast.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

(Courtesy of Yahoo! Groups)

I wish you all a Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T09:53:00.000-08:00

To the tune of "We wish you a Merry Christmas"

I wish you all a Merry Christmas
I wish you all a Merry Christmas
I wish you all a Merry Christmas...
And a Happy New Year!!

For those who care about me-this might help our friendship

2008-12-22T11:13:00.000-08:00

For those who care about me-this might help our friendship

Some advice for others who care. Caring friends, extended family and professionals often want to know what they should and should not do to be as helpful and supportive as possible to parents of more able people with autism. Some of the advice that I offer here pertains to parenting any handicapped person. The rest is very uniquely specific to parenting a more able person with autism.

1) Do not say, “I know how you feel.” No matter how close you are to the parents, no matter how many parents of handicapped people you may have worked with, you still do not know how we feel. You can empathize with us, but you are not experiencing this process in our place.

2) Do try to include our autistic loved ones in your social gatherings or outings whenever appropriate. Some of my most painful memories of raising my daughter concern her being excluded from birthday and other parties of her classmates, family friends and neighbors.

3) Do not say, “You must be a very wonderful person for God to have chosen you to have this child.” We parents of handicapped children are no stronger, braver or purer than anyone else. I would personally lose my faith in God if I thought that God chose me or my child to bear this burden. Basically, this well-meaning statement says to us parents that you think this situation hurts and taxes us less than it would you.

4) Do offer us a chance for respite whenever you feel you can. Even a break of an hour can be a great help. When we were living in California and our daughter was 2, a kind neighbor whom I barely knew called me one day when our daughter was about 1 and ½ hours into what turned out to be a 3 hour tantrum. I thought she was probably calling to complain about the noise. Instead she offered to come over and be with my daughter while I went to her house and took a swim in her pool. She explained that her teenage son had once had emotional problems, which included tantrums, so she could handle the noise and commotion. I did not take her up on her offer, but knowing that I could if necessary gave me the strength and courage to continue.

5) Do not offer unsolicited advice. We parents are often given unwanted and even stupid advice by people who think that they are experts on how to raise our children because their children are normal and ours are not. Our society imposes on parents of handicapped people the terrible prejudice that they have produced damaged goods and are thus inferior people and parents.

6) Do say that you care and ask how you may be of help.

7) Do not say, “But all ________ (teenagers, toddlers, young men, girls, etc.) do that or have a problem with that.” While it is true that what our more able autistic loved ones think, feel, or have difficulties with are common to others, it is the degree and extent of the difficulty and the impact that it has on their lives and ours that is so very different.

8) If a parent seems unduly upset or discouraged over a particular problem, remember that the problem you see is not the only one the parent is dealing with. It is the reality that it is but one of the continual stream of problems.

9) When our autistic loved one is in an activity outside the home (scouting, church youth group, YMCA activity), do not assume we want to be there with them. This could be an excellent opportunity for the parent to have a break from the autistic person. I often felt that there was a sort of unspoken blackmail conveying that idea that if I wanted my handicapped child in an activity, then I must buy her way in by helping with the activity. I would not have minded if this happened with just one or two of her activities. However, this seemed to be the case in almost every activity.

10) Do not try to cheer a parent up by saying, “You don’t know for sure that _______(the autistic loved one) won’t ever be able to…” We all have hopes for our children, but we work hardest to habilitate and plan for them when we are realistic about their probable future limitations.

11) It is all right to say, “I wish I could say something to make it better, but I don’t know what that might be. I hope that the future will be good to you and your child.”

12) Regressed behavior in our autistic loved ones often causes regressed behavior in parents. When a person with autism is experiencing a regression, parents experience a complete upheaval in their lives. People who have been friendly and supportive often stay away or completely sever their relationships with both the autistic person and the family. Professionals often question what the parents might be doing differently at home to “cause” the regression. This is, at best, accusatory and, at worst, insulting and counter-productive. During the regression of their autistic child, parents become fatigued, depressed, worried to the point of panic, and more emotional than usual. This tends to shorten our patience and our tempers. Unfortunately this is the time when we need to exercise the greatest strength, patience, and logic toward our autistic child and all with whom he or she comes in contact. All friends, loved ones, and professionals should try to be extra supportive and patient during this difficult time. Times of regression are part and parcel of being autistic. Seldom, if ever, can the “cause” of the regression be traced to anything that the parent is doing.

13) Parenting any person with autism, regardless of functioning level, is a very challenging experience. Do not assume that because parents have a higher-functioning person with autism, they have fewer or smaller problems. Many parents have told me of incidents in which parents of lower-functioning people with autism have made them feel guilty about expressing their problems.

An Excerpt From: “High Level Individuals with Autism”, Plenum Press, chapter by Susan Moreno – G. Mesibov and E. Schopler, Editors.

Christmas Fun Facts‏‏

2008-12-22T11:00:00.000-08:00

The word Christmas is Old English, a contraction of Christ's mass.
Electric lights for trees were first used in 1895.
The first Christmas cards were vintage and invented in 1843, the Victorian Era.
"It's A Wonderful Life" appears on TV more often than any other holiday movie.
"Rudolph" was actually created by Montgomery Ward in the late 1930's for a holiday promotion. The rest is history.
"Jingle Bells' was first written for Thanksgiving and then became one of the most popular Christmas songs.
If you received all the gifts in the song "The Twelve Days of Chstmas", you would receive 364 presents.
The poinsettia plant was brought into the United States from Mexico by Joel Poinsett in early 1800's.
Holly berries are poisonous.
Contrary to common belief, poinsettia plants are not non-toxic.
In 1843, "A Chrismas Carol" was written by Charles Dickens in just six weeks.
Thr first state to recognize the Christmas Holiday officially was Alabama.
Christmas became a national holiday in America on June 26, 1870.
Coca Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion.
Clearing up a common misconception, in Greek, X means Christ. That is where the word "X-mas" comes from. Not because someone took the "Christ" out of Christmas.
More diamonds are sold around Christmas than any other time of the year.
Favorite Christmas toys in 1927, Spirit of St. Louis model airplane, and Tootsie Toy dollhouse.
Favorite Christmas toys in 1939, Princess Elizabeth doll and the Daisy Red Ryder air rifle.
Favorite Christmas toys in 1944, Little Lulu doll, and the Dick Tracy junior detctive set.
Favorite Christmas toys in 1956, Daisy BB gun and Play Dough.
Favorite Christmas toys in 1960, Chatty Cathy doll and Etch-A-Sketch.
Favorite Christmas toys in 1977, Slime, Othello board game, and the Atari 2600 Video game.
Favorite Christmas toys in 1982, Pac Man, the Rubik's Cube, and He-Man Master of the Universe.
Favorite Christmas toys in 1999, Pokemon, Furby Babies, and Sega Dreamcast Video System.

(From the December issue of "Share Food" newspaper.)

Saints pound winless Lions 42-7

2008-12-21T13:29:00.000-08:00

The Detroit Lions are on their way to owning a dubious piece of NFL history.

By losing to the New Orleans Saints 42-7, the Lions became the first team in NFL history to start 0-15. The Lions will try to avoid a winless season when they play next week at Green Bay, where they haven't won since 1991.

The Motor City just can't catch any breaks

2008-12-21T06:31:00.000-08:00

First, the former mayor goes to prison. Then the auto crisis. And the Lions are staring history in the face - and it's not the positive kind. Yep, folks, Detroit can't seem to catch a break. The Lions face the New Orleans Saints having lost each of their first 14 games and unless they can eke out a win, they are poised to break a record that nobody wants - the first team NFL history to go 0-16.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-20T18:06:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and remember, Jesus is the reason for the season!! Christmas may be about presents and a tree but God gave us the ultimate gift - the birth of Jesus. :-)