Local Eastlake Mom and Author Finds Hope and Healing In spite of Unexpected Diagnosis

In this exclusive interview, Eastlake Times sits down with Jennifer Jones, first-time author, blogger, wife and mother of four in Eastlake. She works as a community leader and exceptional-abilities advocate for children.

www.EastlakeTimes.com (ELT): Congratulations on the book, how long have you been in the Eastlake area?
Jen Jones: I grew up in East County of San Diego. My husband and I moved to Eastlake with our oldest daughter when she was 11 months old in 2005. We have since then grown our family to a party of 6.

ELT: How did you get involved in writing?
Jen Jones: To cope with the amount of “littles” running around my house at one point, I picked up a pen and began to write.  In a full house, it was my way to have a voice, not to mention a great escape at times when I wanted to change my name from “Mom” to “On Vacation” and hide in my closet. It all started out as something very therapeutic for me and evolved from there.

ELT: Tell our readers about the book.
Jen Jones: Life can throw incredible challenges at us. Whether it’s pressure we choose, or a pressure that chooses us, challenges will come our way.  It’s inevitable. Thrive explores the power of hope and healing in the midst of difficult things. It chronicles a life-altering event for me surrounding the birth of our first daughter, Addison. She was born with the unexpected diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Through much soul searching and the inspiration of her life I learned you don’t just have to go through life’s greatest challenges, you can grow through them. Ironically this outlook on life emerged from the seemingly opposite challenge of profound pain and struggle that came with giving birth to a baby with special needs. During that time, I came face to face with some of the greatest trials of my life. But my story didn’t end there.

I have discovered in time that our greatest trials can turn into our greatest triumphs. Life can knock us down sometimes, but we don’t have to stay there. This book is my attempt at a fresh perspective of real hope.

ELT: How long did it take to write the book?
Jen Jones: In March 2012 I made the decision this would be more than a memoir to my children and a published piece to share with others. I gave myself a deadline of December 2012 and worked hard for that finish line. I did it. With lots of late nights and extra help from my husband to entertain the kids so I could write.

ELT: What is the most difficult thing you face as a writer?
Jen Jones: Honestly, I think it’s the ability to consistently have something to say. Even for a woman who has a lot of words this is tough. I suppose I could always come up with something. But the goal is to come up with something good.

ELT: How do you overcome “writer’s block”?
Jen Jones: Scrolling the news feed on my facebook or Instagram. Ha! What works best or me is to close the computer and walk away. I have to change gears and focus on something else for a bit. If I’m able to go for a run, that always works to clear my mind. In either event, I come back to the laptop with a fresh perspective and new thoughts.

ELT: What are some of the biggest challenges when raising exceptionally challenged children?
Jen Jones: Wow, that is a hard question. I would honestly say it isn’t as much about the child with special needs rather the society that we live in. A continuous struggle for children with different abilities is acceptance and inclusion. I write about this in chapter 10 of my book. I think we have come a long way. But I do dream of a day that we no longer have to advocate for equal opportunities in the education systems and workplace. I want to help pave the way to when it is normative for a child with different abilities to be invited to a birthday party or included in a school athletic event. I’m ready for the day when we become aware that inclusion for my child is not only good for her development but a benefit to all of us. I’m not suggesting we ignore people’s differences or pretend they don’t exist. I submit that our differences and challenges could co-exist. Moreover, they can flourish together, one life benefiting from the abilities of another.

ELT: Where can readers get more information?
Jen Jones: I will be at Francesca’s in the Otay Ranch Mall on Saturday June 22 from 9-11 am for a book signing. I would love to see you stop by there. But, if you can’t find me at Sprouts, Trader Joes or Wal-Mart, best place is through my blog, www.jenjonesdirect.com.

Thrive: Growing Through Life’s Greatest Challenges is an edge-of-your-seat story of hope that will make you laugh at times and bring a tear to your eye at others. It’s filled with the power of encouragement throughout.

A special release party and book signing is being hosted by Francesca’s boutique at the Otay Ranch Mall in Chula Vista, Saturday, June 22 from 9:00 AM—11:00 AM. The event is open to the public. Book purchasers will receive an exclusive 20% coupon off purchases at Francesca’s.

Thrive is available wherever e-books are sold or at her website at www.jenjonesdirect.com