Ceramic to Clay

Ceramic to Clay
A Mother's Search for Authentic Healing for Her Severely Brain Injured Son

Monday, October 24, 2011

The Journey Continues...

       Please join us for weekly updates about Adam's journey and conversations about various topics through the healing process at at our main blog:

www.healingandempowerment.blogspot.com

Sunday, January 9, 2011

What HAVE people said to me about my book?

     I COULD say that feedback was not important, that writing the book and actually publishing it was  enough BUT that would not be the truth.  I have wanted to know that the story "struck a chord", "touched a heart", "made a difference".  I thought that I would share some of the comments I've received through e-mail, personal facebook messages, letters.  I have been careful to protect the privacy of those who shared their thoughts and feelings:

     "this book is so well-written. . . pacing, style and well-conceived and organized."

     "I totally related to so much of what you write, from trying all sorts of different therapies, to having to heal from the past, to being open to alternative therapies and energy healing. . . I feel that your family's  journey mirrors our own and I feel so grateful that you were willing to share yours. . . "

     "the way in which you write could be a guide for others in how to take the opportunities that life presents to us and use them for healing. . . "

     "to experience the love and care that has become your day to day life. . . you have given yourself and your child a richer lifetime than many children or adults will ever have the opportunity to live abled or disabled. . . "

     "all my feelings, all my sadness, all my grief, all my helplessness, were there in those words so gently written, black on white.
      I admire in your book your search for healing, not only the body but the soul. . . not only Adam's, but the whole family.  We are all hurt. . .
      Your book made me realize that one more thing is missing on top of physical rehabilitation. . . it is help and support for all these mothers and fathers who suffer in silence."

     "Courage is your strength, compassion is your heart and commitment is your soul. . ."

     "a beautifully told story of grief and strength. . . "

     "as a mother, I can't imagine. . . "

     "It was amazing to walk your journey, answering my many questions of events, but even more amazing to envision you with pen in hand recounting every step of your journey for people to enter your beautiful world. . ."

     "I found myself on many pages, sharing your thoughts and feelings. . . "

     "I want to tell you that your voice in the book is clear and the story hangs together.  In fact I was left wanting more, which is what a good book does. . . You show bravery and authenticity and a willingness not to hide the hard places and the shadows. . . You are blazing a trail for others, many unknown to you who will sip your courage and stand in the truth as you have done. . .

     "The book is wonderful. . . your writing is easyflowing, telling the stories without need, or want from the reader. . . a whole new you who shows the world she so loves her son as he is all the time, without fear."

     "Managed to read the book in one sitting.  Enjoyed it for the healing journey you meant it for.  It was an intimate read with glimpses into many avenues that I too am familiar with.  You address many key topics that block our path to whole-heartedly forging onwards. . . "

     "I just couldn't put it down until I finished it.  What a journey!  I could relate to you on many pages.  I wept through many of them. . . "

I am grateful to each and every person who took a few minutes to let me know how they experienced the book.  So many of the readers are mothers and fathers who are living a similar life.  Other readers seem to be people who understand the complex nature of trauma and healing.

Friday, December 31, 2010

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Introduction to Ceramic to Clay

         Sharon Dzialo, Adam's mom (and Phil's wife), has written and published a new book,CERAMIC TO CLAY.   This is a story of a mother's search for authentic healing for her son and describes the many paths which were taken to help Adam to move progressively toward recovery.  One of the most significant paths includes ABR (Advanced Biomechanical Rehabilitation).  The press release below provides an overview of this journey.  
      
      




2010 – New Release Tells Heartbreaking Story of Mother’s Quest for Helping Her Son Heal
Ceramic to Clay: A Mother’s Search for Authentic Healing for Her Severely Brain Injured Son
is released by author Sharon Dzialo
Everything changed when 12-year-old Adam Dzialo nearly drowned, spending more than 20 minutes underwater. The accident transformed him from a healthy, vibrant sports player to a tube-fed, nonverbal and severely traumatized child who screamed without sound and cried without tears. Traditional options such as surgery, medication and therapy of all sorts led not to success but to disappointment. But a meeting with an experienced clairvoyant shows the author a new way to treat her son, opening the family’s minds and hearts to a deeper – and gentler – approach to Adam’s recovery.
Ceramic to Clay tells not only Adam’s story but that of his mother, Sharon, a high school teacher and counselor. She takes charge of her son’s care, and the family transforms its dining room into his bedroom. The early days of recovery prove difficult as Adam’s friends stop visiting, traumatized by his contorting body, and loneliness and depression set in for the whole family. The author realizes that physical healing is just one aspect of the trauma the family faces. As they work with the clairvoyant, getting Adam’s spirit back into his body is the first of many success stories. Sharon also describes his first laugh after the accident and a compassionate aide he works with once back at school.
As Adam’s family continues nontraditional therapies, such as the Japanese healing technique Johrei, which offers healing and spiritual awakening, they open their eyes to other possibilities. Although setbacks occur, eventually they come to realize that circumstances can set them free instead of confining them. For instance, advanced bio-mechanical rehabilitation brings the chance for Adam’s parents to train to perform the manual applications themselves, so no more travel to therapists. The author’s honest telling of her son’s story will resonate long after the last pages of this heartfelt book are read.