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mar's Desk

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marcoujor: For the Love of Reading

3/9/2016

18 Comments

 
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Working with the homeless population in Philadelphia PA was a most enlightening and enriching experience for me. I met some remarkable individuals who touched my heart and taught me valuable life lessons.

I would like to tell you a little bit about one such individual, Ava*. When I met Ava, she was 64 years of age, but I guessed her to be in her mid to late eighties. Living on the streets takes an unimaginable toll on one's physical condition and appearance.

My initial assessment meetings with Ava were rough to say the least. Trust building with someone who has been burned by the system can feel quite personal, if you don't develop tough skin.

Ever so gradually, I could see this tiny giant start to soften. She began to allow me to drive her to doctor's appointments. Of course, she then treated me like royalty but was merciless to everyone else she encountered. Oh well, that was Ava!

We had many heart to heart conversations along the way. Ava had been an elementary school teacher, forced into a disability retirement in her forties due to an uncontrolled seizure disorder. She married the love of her life and had one daughter. Her world totally collapsed with the death of her husband. Sadly, and for a myriad of reasons, her relationship with her daughter had disintegrated. Ava, despite being so hardened on the exterior, would have reversed the situation in a heartbeat if she could have.

Sadly, that chance never happened as Ava died unexpectedly and peacefully in her sleep. There were many community and shelter staff in attendance at her funeral service. Ava's daughter could not be reached and was perhaps unaware of her Mom's death.

Ava reminded me of the simplicity and sincerity of a decent person. She loved to read and was always donating books to our waiting room for the other clients.

Recently I learned about a homeless shelter for women and children in Rock Hill, South Carolina...that has a beautiful bilingual library.  I imagined Ava and her approving smile...


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I was introduced to Jamilyn Clark Larsen, the woman behind the books, from her aunt (my pal) author, Peg Cole.

I have sent some copies of Kylie's Blossoms to add to the shelves...hoping my other friends who've written children's books will consider doing the same.

Jamilyn is grateful for any support of the her project to expand this bilingual children's book section in the Learning Center of her local homeless shelter for women & children. For her, this has become more than a MSW project for school - it is turning into an awareness of how books & reading can help bilingual families in a variety of ways!

If you are interested in buying a book, I'm sharing a link to Jamilyn's Amazon wishlist. I'd be happy to put you in touch with her to get her mailing address - if you want to do your part to spread the love of reading with some amazing young people.

CLICK HERE to visit Jamilyn's Wish List on Amazon: Jamilyn's MSW Project - Bilingual Kids Books for Women & Children's Homeless Shelter 

​
Jamilyn's initiative has inspired me to have Kylie's Blossoms translated into a Spanish version.  More about that in the weeks to come ...!!                  

Before you go...

Please check out the following wonderful words from some fine Weeblyville writers who are most worthy of your time and attention:

•For the Children's Sake via Graceful Intentions

•Rag Timin' Blues via Horse Biscuits

•​Spring Cleaning Time via WarnerWords

Until next week, keep reading and be happy,

​mar
18 Comments
Peg Cole link
3/9/2016 08:35:58 am

The story of Ava reminds me of how fortunate I am to have food, shelter, a warm bed, a bathroom with a hot shower, and all the other necessities we enjoy without a thought of what we'd do without them. It broke my heart to think her daughter did not know her whereabouts and was unaware of her mother's death.

About Jamilyn, wow, thank you for your generous support of her project with the homeless children. Your donation will certainly be welcomed and appreciated and well loved. I appreciate you featuring my niece here along with your call to others to help this effort.
Love and hugs. Peg

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Maria link
3/10/2016 10:05:42 am

'Sista' Peg,

To be quite honest, I tried to fill the role of *Ava's daughter (as best as I could in my role as her nurse). And I know you understand my feelings as we are 'two peas in a pod' on this (and many) issue.

I am honored to spread the word of your amazing niece's initiative. This is a project that is RIGHT on every level and easy to support.

Love you and waiting for word any day about the availability of your NEW book, mar

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Kimmie
3/9/2016 09:02:58 am

Dear Mar I love your heart and what a wonderful endeavor. Books bring so much joy and I pray this project will grow to bless many. Thank you for sharing.
Big love and hugs!

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Maria link
3/10/2016 10:01:43 am

Dear Kimmie,
Thanks for your support and prayers with Jamilyn's initiative - I knew this would be right up your alley.
Love you and hugs, mar

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Mike
3/9/2016 11:06:37 am

There are so many quiet Superstars out in the world. Jamilyn seems to be one of them. I am glad you brought her to our attention and hope that she succeeds at all she endeavors. Nice of you to donate copies of Kylie's Blossoms. I am sure the kids will appreciate the gift.

Ava is one of those sad stories in American life. Without the right treatment she could not live a decent life and her daughter was not equipped emotionally to take care of her.

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Maria link
3/10/2016 09:59:24 am

Thanks for your sincere and sage remarks, dear Mike.

"Superstar" is a great description of Jamilyn - thanks to you for making Kylie's Blossoms grow - now helping me, once again, with a Spanish translation.

*Ava taught me so much...to have memories of our laughs along the way reminds me that every person has a story and so many gifts, albeit some that will never be realized.

Have a peaceful day. Hugs, mar

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Sunshine
3/9/2016 11:33:28 am

Always a pleasure to read your inspirational words on wacky wednesday, your thoughts put things into perspective again. Thanks, MM! :)

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Maria link
3/10/2016 09:54:54 am

Indeed, you wonderful woman...Wednesdays can indeed be 'wacky'... thanks for stopping by with your Sunshiny smile... Love ya, MM

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Nancy Collier
3/9/2016 03:24:10 pm

Maria,

There are so many lonely people in this world who are hurting and need the love and understanding of others. Sometimes their "outer" shell of bitterness, meanness and grumpiness is not the true picture of their inner feelings , but an expression of despair.

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Maria link
3/10/2016 09:52:58 am

Wise words, dear Nancy and ever so true when it came to *Ava.

Mom would have said "not to judge a book by its cover" and agreed heartily with you as well.

Love you and thanks for stopping by, Maria

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Martie link
3/10/2016 01:11:01 pm

Ava's story touches my heart. "For the love of God, there goes I..." I must say, I don't like this quote, as it implies that God doesn't love the outcasts, but using this quote when one tries to say that bad things can happen to anyone, and therefore we should embrace those who are not as fortunate as we, seems to be okay. RIP Ava!

My compliments to Jamilyn Clark Larsen, and to you, Mar, for translating your Kylie's Blossoms in Spanish to the benefit of Jamilyn's altruistic project.

Hugs,
Martie

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Maria link
3/15/2016 05:45:27 am

Thank you, dear Martie, for your sensitive and insightful remarks.

I always love when you stop by to visit.

Hope you're having a peaceful week. Love you much, mar

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Sannel link
3/11/2016 04:33:54 am

Dear Maria,
So sad to read about Ava and her harsh life. We are all brought into this life for a reason, or so I believe. Ava came into your life, and brought you the gift of fond memories and laughter. She will always be with you in your heart. Having had such a grim life, I'm happy to hear that she did not suffer with illness and pain the last chapter of her life, but died peacefully in her sleep.

I applaud Jamilyn Clark Larsen for her beautiful project.I wish her the best of success, and hope that the library will soon be filled with books. I'll definitely donate some books to this wonderful cause.

Such a wonderful idea for translating Kylie's Blossoms into Spanish.
I know Kylie and her Teddy will be much loved, and will become one of the most popular books in the whole library. :)
I wish you a beautiful weekend.
Take care, dear one!
Love and hugs,
Sannel

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Maria link
3/15/2016 05:47:56 am

Thanks to you, dear Sannel... several of your lovely books are also on the way to making this library a place of joy for these children.

Love you and your big heart, Maria

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crazyhorseladycx
3/31/2016 05:08:56 pm

howdy, ms. mar!

what a touchin' story 'n i'm so glad that'cha got to be included'n ms. ava's life. so many're left to feel 'lone, folks tend to give'p jest when they're startin' to break that 'crust' - without realizin' jest how close they came.

that's a wonderful idea, that bilingual readin' thingy 'n also to've yer book translated. what a gift to all who're so deep'n need.

big hugs 'n love!

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Maria link
4/6/2016 09:09:50 am

Dear Lady,
Your comments are wise - a sense of connection is key to coping with all of life's stressors.
The Spanish version of my book is almost ready for publishing...and thanks for your support of my efforts.
Appreciate your visits and love you, mar

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Shauna
4/4/2016 12:19:40 pm

So sad to hear Ava died alone. It's a shame she and her daughter didn't have the opportunity (or take the opportunity) to repair their relationship before it was too late.

I love Jamiyn's project. I'll definitely check out her wish list.

It's very cool of you to have Kylie's Blossoms translated into Spanish. It's a great way to increase readership and extend the joy of reading to a whole 'nother group of kids. Good on ya, Mar!

Reply
Maria link
4/6/2016 09:15:52 am

Great to see you, dear Sha. Ava's story is a reminder for me to keep peaceful and positive relationships with those I love in my life. It breaks my heart when mothers and daughters are at odds - I know we are both blessed with our relationships in that regard.

I'm excited about my Spanish version of Kylie's Blossoms. I know Jamilyn would appreciate you checking out her wish list.

Martie is thinking of ways to help me with an Afrikaans edition...who the heck knows where this young lady and her teddy bear will end up... :)

Love you and big hugs, mar

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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

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    mar  



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  • Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me