Please Share Your Story Here
Lou Rotella III
Are you lucky enough to have an exceptional child in your life?
It is clear that children with special needs have a gift of perspective – that is, seeing and experiencing the same things we do, but interpreting everything through an untainted lens.
We would love to hear some of the positive, remarkable adventures of those in your life – as experienced through their eyes, and yours.
Please share your story here…
2 Comments
Maxine M. says:
He had a twinkle in his eye and a smile from ear to ear and a mischievous grin. Oh boy, what was I in for?
I first met Louie when I was a substitute teacher at Spring Ridge Elementary School in Elkhorn. I had just retired after teaching 35 years, with 29 at Elkhorn High School as a Special Education teacher. Louie was in kindergarten so it was quite a change for me.
It was time for physical education class, so I went with Louie to the gym. The PE teacher had a big red parachute that she unfolded and all the children held the edges in a big circle. The students were instructed to raise and lower the chute, move left or right, walk forward or backward. All at once, quicker than lightning, I discovered that Louie had disappeared under the chute. What is a substitute teacher to do but go after him! So, I crawled under the parachute to find Louie. There he was in the middle with a big grin on his face. I could hardly keep from laughing, but we managed to both crawl out. Then we had a little chat about following the teacher’s directions. And that’s how I came to know Louie. His smile and boundless energy are catching and I’m hooked.
The Little King and his Marshmallow Kingdom is a treasure. Congratulations for writing it and the illustrations are just perfect.
Maxine M., Special Education teacher, Retired
July 8, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Alexis says:
I have to say I met this little king years ago, I had a little girl with Down Syndrome. She is now 10 years old. We lived in Omaha and crossed paths many times. After leaving Omaha and moving East when my Emma was just over a year was hard. I did not know any families who are blessed enough to have Down Syndrome touch their life. I was leaving the support of other mom’s who knew exactly how I felt.
I was now a single parent with 2 children under 4. I spent the next few years getting things together, working full time and finishing my Masters Degree. My children were such strength for me. I have remarried and now moved back west and smile every time I remember Louie and Emma and how amazing ALL our children are. They teach us how to love life and not to sweat the small stuff. Congratulations on the little King…wow what an accomplishment and for such an amazing little boy and his family.
October 12, 2011 at 9:36 am