After a tragic event involving their first child, Author and Rights Advocate Carole Simons became passionate about advocating for individuals with disabilities.
A name that you probably have heard before, Carole Simons, makes a bold entrance back into the digital world with her new online series of essays, Rethink Loss. Her new series of (online-only) essays just soft-launched last week.
The author describes her essays as, “A story of tragedy and loss. And then what do you do after that? That touches everybody. It’s a story about relationships, because relationships, define the quality of your life. And it’s a story of gifts. What a gift I had, when I had my kids, and even what I call that morning, the morning my life changed, that at the moment was so devastating, now I see has only enhanced my life. It’s a story of choices. What are the choices that you make that change how you experience the world? And your family. The essays are raw and honest. Someone you love that has a disability is very challenging. But, it can also be so rewarding. Sammie’ changed our lives and everyone that she touches. A community, a community that rallied around her, so that she would have her own life. I never even imagined that. I think the essays will open hearts, open your heart, open your mind. Open your mind to a bigger better life, a way to rethink whatever your loss is, and really cherish the moments, and in a very concrete way, follow the journey of a family that, were at the other end of it after 34 years, and it’s amazing.”
Carole Simons with family. © Ed Huddle
Rethink Loss essays tell vividly through the eyes of Carole, the recollections of what happened to their middle daughter, Sammie when she stopped breathing one morning. The author shares with her in a tone of transparency, this story horrible event that caused Sammie to form a brain injury that stunted her brain’s growth. However, through the strength of a loving family and advocating parents, Sammies’ life has been a testimony and advocacy for those with special needs, and through her, the lives of countless individuals have been dramatically changed.
One reader describes their experience of reading the essays as, “Beautifully written, my heart is touched and I cannot wait to read more and thank you for sharing.” Another said, “You’ve already got me hooked, your descriptions of the events are so vivid I feel as if I’m there. I’m looking forward to the next essay.”
Creative Director, Micah Trostle of Trostle Films (Facebook @trostlefilms), has been working with Carole Simons over the past 13 months to bring this project to life. “This project has been one of the most important projects for me to this date, as I have a heart myself for those with disabilities. I spent a summer working at HandiCamp, a camp for kids with disabilities when I was younger. So when I met the Simons family, and Mrs. Simons told me about her vision of sharing her story through essays, I knew it was meant to be. I really hope that people read her essays and are inspired to rethink the way they perceive their own losses and find positive ways in life to make an amazing thing out of a hard situation. I lived with the Simons for a year during the worst part of the pandemic, and while I was there I got to interact with Sammie and see the way her life shines to those around her. Seeing her smile and laugh and dance. Seeing the never-ending love that Dr. and Mrs. Simons would share with everyone they met, was truly overwhelming. This project will change hearts and open eyes to the world of those with disabilities and will hopefully, challenge you to advocate for something you are passionate about as well.”
Carole says, “I am very grateful for my life and everyone in it. Today, I am sharing the journey my life has taken since the morning Sammie stopped breathing, “That Morning”. Every week in 2022 I will post an essay in the hope that in some small way it will touch someone’s heart and enhance their life. Three essays have been posted. I look forward to your thoughts.”
To read the latest essay, visit rethinkloss.com/essays.
Every Monday on the Rethink Loss website, a new essay and video teaser will be released.
