Camilla Downs - D iz for Different: One Womans Journey to Acceptance

Published by Turning Views Publishing,

a division of Turning Views Inc.

PO Box 19812, Reno, NV 89511

TurningViewsPublishing.com

www.DizforDifferent.com

First Printing May 2012

Copyright Camilla Downs, 2012

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, blog, or on the Web - without permission in writing from the publisher. For more information, please contact Turning Views Publishing at the above address.

The author of this book does not prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician or therapist. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of information contained in this book, we assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any inconsistency herein. Any slighting of people, places, or organizations is unintentional.

Publishers Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Downs, Camilla, 1970

D iz for different: one womans journey to acceptance / Camilla Downs
with cover illustration by Daniel Svoboda - 1st edition

ISBN 978-0-9800568-0-8 (paperback)

eBook ISBN: 978-0-9800568-1-5

1. Parents of children with disabilities. 2. Children with disabilities.

3. Self-acceptance in women. 4. Self-esteem I. Downs, Camilla II. Title

649.152-dc23

LCCN 2012931848

Principle Editor, Diana Michelotti

Cover Design by Natalie Gorden and Diana Michelotti

Cover Illustration by Daniel D.J. Svoboda, copyright 2012, all rights reserved

Interior Layout and Graphics by Michelotti Media

Author Photo by The Image Gallery, Sparks, NV

ATTENTION CORPORATIONS, UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES, NON-PROFITS, AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: Quantity discounts are available on bulk purchases of this book for educational, gift purposes, or as premiums for increasing magazine subscriptions or renewals. Special books or book excerpts can also be created to fit specific needs. For information, please contact Turning Views Publishing at the above address.

PRAISE FOR D IZ FOR DIFFERENT:

My granddaughter Mable and my niece Elizabeth are both different enough to have special needs so I speak from personal experience about Camilla Downs enlightening book D iz for Different: One Womans Journey to Acceptance. I believe this book will help those who find themselves asking how and why questions about their differently-abled loved one. This quick and thoughtful read gives answers to hard questions and provides some easily used tools to help people move more quickly to a place of peace and acceptance.

- Julie Ziglar Norman, Proud Grandmother and Aunt,
Founder of Ziglar Women, Inspirational Speaker,
Author of Growing Up Ziglar:
A Daughters Broken Journey from Heartache to Hope

As a blind person myself, I understand the challenge and blessing of doing things differently. In this book, Camilla shares her journey with Lillian, which will help us all do more, give more, and be more.

- Jim Stovall,
Emmy-award Winner, Best-selling Author, The Ultimate Gift

Camillas light shines very bright in D iz for Different: One Womans Journey to Acceptance. She offers a wonderful combination of heart, intelligence, drive and a true inner desire to help families who are going through the trials, tribulations and loving moments of having a child with special needs. By authentically sharing her story, she is a voice of compassion, support and guidance.

- G. Brian Benson
Award-winning Author and Advocate of Inspiration

Camilla Downs has been through it all and came out on the other side smiling. She has taken her real-life experiences and created teachable moments for all to learn. This book has the ability to change your life if you read it. What are you waiting for?

- Tim WambachandMike Berkson
Stars of the Hit 2-Man Stage Show, Handicap This!

This is the BEST day of my life!

- Thomas Darnell, July 2011

Life is so happy, it makes me cry. And I cannot, tell a lie on April Fools. The point is that you will have a non-stop lovable brain. And it has OUR CHOICES in it.

- Lillian Darnell, April 2011

Our journeys are lined with treasures.

Many of the abundant treasures along the way

are missed as we dwell on the past

and worry about the future.

Pursue your journey with all your heart.

Keep your eyes open to discover the treasures

present in every single day.

- Camilla Downs, September 7, 2011

This book is dedicated to
anyone who has ever felt different,
those caring for someone with special needs
and to my kids, Thomas and Lillian,
for being a part of my journey.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

C AMILLAS
G RATITUDE L IST

In everyones life, at some time,
our inner fire goes out.

It is then burst into flame by an encounter
with another human being.

We should all be thankful for those people
who rekindle the inner spirit.

-Albert Schweitzer

W ith D eepest G ratitude

• The amazing and awesome families who make up the Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society
• My Mississippi Family... Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandmas and Grandpas

I give special and overflowing gratitude to the following friends who donated their time and efforts. If not for them, this book would not have been. I am eternally grateful and full of love for each of you!