Puddle Jumping (18 page)
Authors: Amber L. Johnson
Amber is a full-time mom, full-time wife, is employed full time, and writes when she can. She believes in Happily Ever After’s that occur every day - despite the obstacles that real life serves up on a regular basis. Or perhaps they're sweeter simply because of them. She always has two rubber bands on her wrist, a song in her head, and too much creamer in her coffee cup that reads 'Cocoa' - because she's a rebel. If she's not at her desk, with her boys, or behind the computer, she's supporting live music with her arms raised above her head and eyes closed, waiting for the drop.
There are a million and one people to thank for this book seeing the light of day.
First, thank you to the immense amount of people that read the first draft. I hope you enjoy the revisions and that it still holds a place in your heart.
Lori Wilt, you make me accountable for every word, and I thank you for being one of my most trusted sets of eyes. Immense gratitude to you and FicWishes for always supporting every single one of my endeavors.
Stephanie Alexander, thanks for telling me to tone it down, even when I didn’t want to. I’ll return the favor every single time.
Kathie Spitz, you never touched the original but your fingerprints are all over this one. Twice. I thank you for telling me not to give up because I actually listened this time.
April Brumley, you are an inspiration in more ways than I can count. Thanks for letting me use your brain when mine has gone to mush. You always look with your special eyes and see the things I can’t.
To the countless women, parents, professionals and wonderful people who allowed me to speak to you in multiple capacities – you helped make this decision easier and gave me more hope than you’ll ever know.
Angela V., Amber S., Kristy H., Marty K., Alex O. Aislyn D. and Stephanie R. – thank you all for pre-reading and giving feedback that made this better than it would have been without it. You’re book-stars.
Mary Elizabeth, your support has been more than I could have hoped for. Try not to forget the little people when you’re at the top of the NYT, yeah?
Shannon, I hope you know how much your professional opinion means to me. It may not be perfect, but we know there’s no such thing. Thanks for being a bright spot in a cloudy sky.
Jayne Compton, thank you for those words of encouragement all those years ago. Your PEERS –type class and their responses to this story changed my life in the greatest way.
Finally, Alec Frazier, your feedback, phone calls and open discussions on life with Autism have made an incredible impact on me. I’ll be eternally grateful for your endorsement, your reactions and most importantly the hope you give me for my son’s future.
To learn more about Alec Frazier’s story, and Autistic Reality, an autistic-run advocacy and public relations firm, please visit his website at:
http://www.nothingaboutuswithoutus.net/
For up to date information, "Like" the Autistic Reality Facebook Page at:
https://www.facebook.com/autisticreality
Table of Contents
Table of Contents