Guest Blogger
Jenna Lumbard
Born with autism, Jenna could not always understand what was said around her. She didn’t know why people did the things they did. She never developed speech, but she learned to read very quickly and devoured all the books she was given. She created stories and poems in her head from words she had read. In second grade, she learned to use a keyboard with the help of a facilitator who sat at her side, touching her elbow. This newfound skill unlocked her world, presenting her with the tool she needed to share her unique gift of writing. She was able to express her love for the world around her both in poetry and short stories. Her desire has always been to write a book to share with the world. Her hope is to encourage children to soar in spite of any obstacles they may face.
Janet Milhollin, Jenna’s Mentor
Hi, my name is Janet Milhollin and as Jenna’s aide, mentor, and friend I can only scratch the surface when it comes to telling you about all the things Jenna and I have learned from each other over the last 17 years.
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Lauren Lumbard, Jenna’s Sister
Somewhere in my mental library, amongst the countless chapters and shelves, is the memory of standing in the hospital with my dad. I had just become a sister. My life had changed, and it would continue to be shaped by this little girl we named Jenna.
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Paula Lumbard, Jenna’s Aunt
As one of six children, I credit my parents with always supporting each one of our individual skills, talents and interests. Two people who came from hardscrabble backgrounds, through example, taught me how to nurture and pursue my desires.
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Linda Lumbard, Jenna’s mother
Learning that your child has any kind of disability is difficult. It takes time to absorb the information that you receive from your specialists and to move forward the best that you can. I have tried to educate myself about autism by attending seminars and reading any information that becomes available.
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Jenna Lumbard, Author, “Worried Wendy Goes to School”
Salman Rushdie once wrote, “Books choose their authors, the act of creation is not entirely a rational and conscious one.” In my case, I must agree with this whole heartedly. I don’t sit down and decide what to write.
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