Newfound Hope for Many: Autism Service Dogs

I am excited to say that this will be my topic for my next feature story. We have to write a trend or issue story, and honestly, I had no idea what I was going to do - until I ran across this extraordinary topic.

Even though I didn't know what I was going to focus on yet, I can say that during class the other day I was inspired by a particular story about "therapy dogs." After reading it, I thought to myself, 'That is the kind of story I want to write.' 

I didn't want to copy the same exact idea, though, so I decided to research the different types of therapy and service dogs available. In the midst of my search, I discovered a special place for dogs - helping people with autism. I had no idea there were such dogs out there. Of course, these dogs are different from the "therapy dogs" I read about in class. Unlike the therapy dogs, autism special service dogs require extensive training to help these people.

People with autism have a hard time connecting. They can't connect with their environment, themselves, or others. Having these special dogs around them has proven to be very beneficial to integrating them into new environments and experiences. I've known a little about autism, but am beginning to learn even more in my eagerness to write this story.

I'm excited to get started on it, and will provide updates of how it is going. For now, I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween weekend! I know I will... well, as soon as I get that eskimo costume so I can represent Sarah Palin. Maybe I can see some Russians along the way!

Profile Story: Sister Mary Tarpy

So I think this may be the final version... despite it being nearly 2oo words over the limit our teacher set. I really don't feel like taking anything out of the story since it may take away from the overall theme/idea (believe me, I tried). If you have some free time, sit back and enjoy!

Sister Mary Tarpy: A Selfless Woman

Transformed by a higher calling, Mary Tarpy is still inspired after 65 years in the ministry

By: Kelly Martin

On a warm May afternoon in 2003, Sister Mary Tarpy discovered the power of a random act of kindness – a simple telephone call to a friend.

With living in Columbus, Sister Mary constantly kept in touch with her friends in other cities. On this particular afternoon, she called her good friend and former secretary, Claire Sulter, who lives in Cincinnati. While talking with Claire, Sister Mary knew something wasn’t quite right. Her happy, upbeat friend just didn’t seem like herself. “My husband is very sick,” Claire sadly disclosed. “Jim may be dying.”

What began as a routine call to a beloved friend turned into a sudden realization for Sister Mary – she had to go to Cincinnati. Suddenly 100 miles didn’t seem that far away. Without hesitating, Sister Mary traveled to the Queen City. She had to visit her friend’s husband. “If I can manage my time to help the sick and needy, why not do it?” Mary asked herself.

While most people need preparation in order to suddenly pack up and go somewhere, Sister Mary Tarpy just needs inspiration. Inspiration from family, close friends, and most importantly – inspiration from God.

As a sister for 65 years, Sister Mary has had several powerful, touching moments in her life that have inspired her to do what she does best - help people like Claire who are in need of encouragement and support. Whether she was traveling to historic parts of Italy or teaching children in Cincinnati, these experiences have motivated her to continue serving people throughout her life. As she now looks back at her life, Sister Mary now feels more fulfilled than ever before – despite struggles along the way.

Being in a climate of faith in her household in Columbus, it was easy for Sister Mary to see God’s goodness in her life. “If you believe in God and Jesus, there is another realm of life besides the natural,” Sister Mary said. “I just felt drawn to enter into that realm of life, especially from being around my family.” She knew she wanted to serve others, but it wasn’t until her first Catholic communion that she found out her true calling in life – to serve others through God.

January 6, 1943 is a day Sister Mary has never forgotten. Eagerly putting on her black dress and shoes, she stepped into Mount Notre Dame’s convent as an excited nervousness came over her. She was about to leave her family, but knew God was calling her to something higher.

Ever since that day, Sister Mary has devoted her life to educating students in different states, including Illinois, Wyoming and Ohio. After getting her master’s degree in education at the University of Marquette and at a teacher’s college, nothing was going to stop Sister Mary from doing what she loved – educating people about God’s goodness and traveling around the world along the way.

In 1972, she embarked on a 10 year journey to Rome with 36 sisters in the Notre Dame de Namur community. According to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namurs’ records, the sisters came from all around the world - Africa, Asia, South America, Eurpoe, and Central America. She was the program coordinator of the scripture and theology classes offered in Rome. Being an international community, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur allowed Sister Mary to connect with these other women around the world. While she focused on building relationships among the many different sisters, Sister Mary was also struck by the Italian culture and way of life.

One night in Italy, Mary and other sisters decided to go out to eat at a restaurant. As she looked around at everyone, she saw an unusual, yet moving, sight – families actually conversing at the dinner table. “It was so different than in the United States, where families gather at the dinner table simply to eat – not to actually appreciate one another’s company,” Sister Mary said.

Witnessing these sights made Sister Mary realize the importance of having a strong family support system and is why she values strong friendships. “She knows just the right time to do something small that makes a big difference,” Marie Gemmell, a friend of thirty years, said. “Even a simple call to say ‘hello’ makes all of the difference in the world.” When they arrived back in the states 10 years later, Mary instantly saw the differences in America’s family values just by eating at restaurants. She had not even finished her meal and multiple families had already come in, eaten, and left.

“It seems that many people seem to treat their faith this way,” Mary said. Unlike many people, Sister Mary stops to appreciate life enough to realize her true potential in life. Most don’t seem to fully drink their faith in, as she has done – specifically in the town of Assisi.

In October of 1971, Sister Mary traveled to the town of Assisi, in Southern Italy, with fellow sisters as a part of the eight-month program. On a bright, sunny day, Sister Mary was walking with the sisters to a church in the area – just as it was when St. Francis of Assisi created the inspiring religious song “The Canticle of the Sun.” Their mission: to pick up any nature-object along the way that reminded them of God’s presence.

When they entered the church, the sisters shared the objects which they picked up. One of them described an empty Lucky Strikes cigarette box. The sister went on to explain how this represented one of her addictions that she broke, which eventually allowed her to welcome God into her life. “It was so moving to hear about other sisters’ stories of what led them to the Lord,” Sister Mary said, “It is things like that which keep me inspired and motivated to serve people.” Whenever she thinks about this experience, she knows anything is possible when choosing to follow God’s path. Sister Angela, a former secretary of Sister Mary’s, knows that Mary will do whatever it takes to help someone in their walk with the Lord. “She always thinks of doing the little things for people,” Sister Angela said.

Sister Mary not only has helped people in their walk with the Lord, but she has also helped children succeed in school. It was 1953, her seventh year of teaching, when Sister Mary saw her hard work as an educator pay off. She was teaching the seventh and eighth grade at St. George School in Cincinnati. In her previous years of teaching, she loved to see other kids eagerly listen to her, always willing to learn. But these kids were different.

Not only were they eager to learn, but they also learned quickly. “Nothing is more rewarding than seeing kids quickly absorb your teachings,” she said. “I loved being challenged to come up with new activities for them.” They learned so quickly that Sister Mary had to constantly think of new ways to involve the kids. She eventually was so determined to do this that she created a “patrol court” which promoted safety while crossing the streets after getting off of school buses. “She is so dedicated to helping people any way that she can,” Claire Salter said. “If she wants something done, she will get it done.”

Just as Sister Mary was becoming successful with teaching seventh and eighth graders, she learned that she would be teaching younger children – something she wasn’t exactly expecting. Her mother thought it would be nice for her to live nearby, in Columbus, even though they weren’t able to see each other often. In 1954, Sister Mary agreed to move from Cincinnati to Columbus, where she taught fifth and sixth graders. “I definitely wasn’t happy about how I had to teach younger children since I seemed to work better with the older children,” Sister Mary said. “But I thought it would be nice to be near my mother.” While adjusting to teaching the younger children in Columbus later that year, she found out that her mother was ill with lung cancer. Suddenly teaching younger children seemed to be the least of her worries – she had to stay for her mother. “I think my mother had a premonition that she was going to pass away,” Sister Mary said.

On a warm April afternoon, Sister Mary finally had to face the inevitable - her mother passing away. Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur were not allowed to visit family in any circumstance until the mid 1960’s, when the Vatican ordered a reform in many sisterhoods. This was 1954. Sister Mary would not be seeing her mother at the cemetery in Columbus. “This was one of the most difficult challenges I had to face as a sister,” Sister Mary said. “All of my brothers and sisters were there – except me,” she recalls with a grim face.

At her mother’s mass, Sister Mary prayed endlessly. She knew the dedication it took to be a sister of Christ, and this was one test of many, she knew, that she would have to endure. “She makes it seem so easy,” Sister Angela, former said. “Even in the darkest days her light will shine.”

Now retired, Sister Mary lives in the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur convent in Cincinnati where she participates in various activities with other sisters, such as prayer groups and mass. While she is not as active as she once was, one thing remains the same: Sister Mary lives for the unexpected. While some people fear death and unforeseen circumstances, Sister Mary embraces them.

One hundred miles later on that warm afternoon in 2003, Sister Mary arrived at Bethesda North hospital in Cincinnati. As she walked into Jim’s hospital room, Claire’s face lit up with a surprised joy. Claire was not expecting her. She ran up to Sister Mary and embraced her tightly. “I was so relieved to have a friend be with me during those dark days; it is an immeasurable gift,” Claire said.

As she hugged Claire, Sister Mary thought back to her experience in Italy, where everyone was constantly there for one another.  Sister Mary was simply acting in good faith, just as the Italians did with their own families. “I think that’s what heaven will be like,” Sister Mary said with an assured smile.

 

The candidates vs. themselves

It no longer seems to be about Obama vs. McCain so much as it is the candidates pitting against themselves (or their advisors).

When a candidate has advisors that recently supported views that the other candidate now endorses, you've got to wonder. Yes indeed, Obama's health-care advisors used to support McCain's plan before the joined up with him. Oh, and might I add that the majority of Americans have bought into these "truths" the Obama campaign proclaims - or should I say, the "new truths" of these advisors. I'm glad Obama has convinced them of His Ways.

As far as McCain, he doesn't do himself any favors when he sits idle as hundreds of deceptive and misleading ads bombard the airwaves. C'mon McCain - be that Maverick we all know you are, and invoke some real change!

Obama might as well run against his advisors. And, heck, McCain run against himself. I think it is safe to say both would lose; Obama would be too busy trying to figure out where he'd get billions of dollars for his refundable tax credits, and McCain too occupied with "taking a break from office" to "fix" the economy. 

Where do I stand with all of this? Who will I vote for? Find out on Nov. 4 - I'm sure I will hint at it then.

I just find it all amusing. Check out the article about Obama and his advisors here:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122488864905768469.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Selfless Love: The Answer to Most Problems

Life isn't fair - it deals out many uncertanties. Heck, life itself is an uncertainty. In all of the madness, it is nice to have met someone who makes everything seem perfectly fine.

I wrote my first draft about Sister Mary Tarpy on Wednesday, even though I have a lot more work to do on it. I pretty much just had to have something for the moment in order to turn it in. While the theme and structure of the paper are constantly expanding, so is my knowledge about this amazing woman.

We all say we care about people. We care about our family, and we care about our friends. But how often do we show this? If we don't show it much, does it mean we even care at all?

The stark reality is that many of us only really seem to care about ourselves. We do what is in our best interest. While I agree that you have to look out for yourself first and foremost (who else will?), it can sometimes consume us. People around you then start to wonder just who you are really concerned about.            

I can admit falling into this trap earlier in my life. Even when I did give people gifts, it was still more so in my best interest - to make me feel better about myself. Is this the kind of "love" we want to go around? 

The fact of the matter is that most people don't truly give a gift to someone. A gift is not expecting something in return - it comes from the bottom of your heart.

Sister Mary is the epitome of a selfless, gift-giving person. She doesn't suddenly pack her bags to see a sick friend because she feels like she owes them something. Nor does she feel like she'd be looked down upon if she didn't. She does it because she truly cares. 

"You don't get these moments too often. You should embrace them while they are here," she says.

Why can't everything be as simple as that? It can - and it starts by stripping away any insecurities and jealousies that consume us all too often.

You know what they say: actions speak louder than words. So the next time you want to tell your good friend that "you hope they feel better," you might want to think again. Bring them their favorite soup, dvd, or anything at all that reminds you of them. Oh, and do it because you actually care.

You can thank me later.

A Selfless Woman: Sr. Mary Elaine Tarpy

"I get to be on digits!"

This was Sister Mary's reaction when I pulled out my digital recorder for our interview earlier in the week. And yes, she was trying to refer to my digital recorder.

Always fascinated with the changing world around her, Mary was excited to be recorded on the modern version of a tape recorder.

I have a feeling I am going to enjoy getting to know her! For our next feature writing assignment, we have to write a profile story. I decided to use some of my connections from high school and interview a Sister. Attending a private Catholic high school can have its perks!

From our brief meeting for lunch this past Sunday, I could still gather some important facts about her. Mary seems to be the kind of person that wouldn't think twice about helping someone - anyone - with whatever they needed. And she hasn't thought twice about the life she has been leading for 65 years.

I have some ideas as the direction of the story, but it won't be until a few other interviews with her and other sources will I be able to put many pieces together. 

Stay tuned for some updates!

The Big Rant

My goodness. I was reminded today of why I never want to work in politics.

While a very heated debate on FOX News was entertaining to watch today, it just made me shake my head. The whole Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac debacle has turned people absolutely crazy - namely, Barney Frank.

O'Reilly and Frank face off on the topic of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.. and, well,  didn't agree on much. Or anything, really.

What caused this whole financial mess, anyway? For me to get into it now would probably take up a whole three posts (if I actually wanted to do extra research too). But basically: 1). G'vt's lovely prgrams such as Fannie Mae (oh.. and the people behind it) Yes, let us give out tons and tons of money to low-income people. Genius. 2). Banks. Don't give out money to everyone. 3). Stupid consumers.  Don't "buy" everything you see - that mortgage? You eventually have to pay it back.

Heck, the face off is worth watching yourself. Here it is. Have fun, enjoy, and shake your head in disbelief at the genius minds behind the Government!

Entertainment at its best

How-to story: Seven Secrets for Busy Moms to Stay Fit

So I admit.. it has been a little long since I last posted! I guess I have just been busy with - what else - but school work. And not to mention working. And trying to keep my student organization intact. And my sanity. But that's a whole other story!

Things always have a way of working out, as I say. Below is one example of this! Even though this story did cause me to get a little stressed here and there, it came together quite nicely in the end. Check out my first story assignment for this year: the how-to story. Enjoy!

Seven Secrets for Busy Moms to Stay Fit

By: Kelly Martin

Katie Rhodes teaches eight fitness classes geared toward moms weekly, works as a physical therapist, provides support for her two children, and manages her own company, “Hip to be Mom.”

But she wasn’t satisfied with just that – she wanted more. Although she assists hundreds of mothers who want to get in shape, she realized it shouldn’t stop her from doing the same.

Rhodes, like other busy moms, says the secrets of staying fit starts with the right mentality. “If these women simply believed in themselves, the actual exercise won’t be as hard as they imagined,” says Katie Rhodes, the managing instructor for StrollerFit exercise classes in the Greater Cincinnati area. “They must believe they can do it.” 

With hearing many women say, ‘I won’t ever fit into my jeans again,’ Rhodes likes to do what she does best – motivate them enough to forget they even had such thoughts in the first place.

1.                  Find a personal motivator.

Everyone has heard that a consistent workout routine requires motivation. However, many people don’t ever find a personally compelling motivator to kick them into gear.

As the managing instructor for StrollerFit, a class specifically designed for mothers to work out with their children, Rhodes feels compelled to help these women ultimately live better lives. “I know in my heart that I am changing women’s lives – it’s the best job in the world.” Simply knowing that she helps women get into shape is enough to motivate her daily.

Similarly, Sherri Dodd, author of “Mom Looks Great” and a personal trainer in Santa Cruz, California, refused to be that “lazy mom” who used any excuse not to work out. “After I had one of my kids, I still felt in good shape. I wanted to be a good example to my children.” Whatever the personal motivator, it is a good idea to dig deep and find one. 

2. Get in the habit.

Once mothers have a personal motivator, it is time to break into action. Many times, however, these women find themselves starting a routine only to give up on it a week later. This is especially the case since women with younger children are working more than ever before. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, 72 percent of women with children under 18 had jobs in 1999, compared with 33 percent in 1960.

 “Writing exercise times on a calendar can get you in the exercise mode – and eventually in the habit,” says Cathy Moxley, author of “The Busy Mom’s Ultimate Fitness Guide” and manager of Fitness Insight, a local program in Maryland to help busy mothers lose weight.

Having an exercise buddy could be the key factor in making the habit stick. “Having a fitness buddy can make you accountable – without them, it is easy to skip a day since no one is motivating you,” says Rhodes.

3. Have a back-up plan.

It is inevitable for busy moms – plans will change, fall through, or never exist when you thought they did. “Have a gym bag packed in your car at all times in case an opportunity to exercise presents itself,” Rhodes says.

While unexpected changes in plans can free up time to exercise, there will also be circumstances when the opportunity disappears. Tracey Mallett, an international fitness expert in Los Angeles, California and author of “Sexy in 6,” thinks it’s important to not be hard on yourself when you can’t squeeze exercise in every day. “If you realize you don’t have time to exercise during the day, don’t get frustrated,” Mallett says. “You have to embrace it.”

We all know the saying: luck favors the prepared. Pack your gym bag, and be prepared for the unexpected.

4. Do “the little things.”

“We burn 50 percent more calories standing instead of sitting. Being a mother with many obligations, this one shouldn’t be too hard for us,” Moxley says. She suggests taking walks during lunch breaks, long detours when walking outside, and more stairs instead of elevators.

Also, doing different forms of plyometrics – sudden bursts of movement - can train mom’s bodies to build more muscle and increase reaction time, Dodd says. These include routines such as jumping jacks, jump rope, and basket shots. And we all know having little kids running around is just asking for moms to intervene in some way – whether it is reacting quickly to a fall or getting them out of harm’s way.

5. Involve your kids in the workout routine.

Being the managing instructor of a program where mothers can work out while pushing their kids in strollers, Rhodes knows the importance of involving kids in workout routines. “It not only is a convenient, easy way to work out, but it is also a good example to set for your kids,” she says. If your kids are no longer in strollers, try to actively involve them in the routine.

Also, Moxley sometimes has her kids help her do sit-ups or help her with bench presses by being a human weight.

Whatever the routine with kids, getting creative can be both a fun and rewarding experience for kids and moms.

6. Enjoy the journey.

Many mothers are so concerned about the end result – losing weight – they do not stop to appreciate the process of transformation. “It is important to stop and smell the flowers once in a while,” Dodd says. “When starting a fitness program, the ideal situation is that it becomes a more than a program – it becomes a lifestyle.”

While the finish line is nice to think about, appreciating the checkpoints along the way is just as rewarding. These checkpoints could include more restful sleep, increased endorphins, and confidence in follow-through, Dodd says. And, of course, once you cross that finish line, the goal is to be just as eager to find another starting line.

7. Think long-term.

While it is important to enjoy the journey of exercising, it is just as vital to think about forms of exercise that you can do in the long-run. You want to be able to extend the journey as much as possible.

“It is easy to fall into the trap of getting too impatient with wanting to see instant results,” Moxley says. It’s not healthy to get into an “all or none” mindset, she says; you should really focus on what you can see yourself doing for a while.

While thinking long-term, it is important to have a goal in mind and to never lose focus. Starting a new workout routine can cause some women to forget who they were in the first place. “Throughout it all, never lose sight of who you are and what makes you tick,” Mallett says.

Even though she gets paid to help moms get in shape, Rhodes knows there is no other reward greater than ultimately transforming womens’ lives.

“At the end of the day, I don’t care about the money,” Rhodes says. “The greatest moment for me is when a woman says, ‘I can fit into my jeans again and I look better than ever before.’