Alexis Palmer (2025)

29/07/2025

If you knew me…

You would know I was nonverbal at 2 and a half

You would know I was diagnosed with autism at 4

You would know I got kicked out of two preschools

You would know I had extreme sensory-integration difficulties

You would know I would lash out to get attention when I couldn’t communicate on my own

You would know I twirled my hair

You would know that when I was in school, my peers labeled special education “wrong” instead of “special”

You would know I spent hundreds of hours a year in therapy to get to where I am

You would know I spent hundreds of hours being bullied because of my diagnosis

You would know that being institutionalized was a possibility.

But if you also knew me…

You would know I graduated grade school

You would know I graduated high school

You would know I graduated college

You would know I received a masters degree

You would know I have a job

You would know I consulted for a major motion picture

You would know I live independently

You would know I consult to help parents who have children with autism

You would know I am a national speaker, life coach and author

You would know I have had a girlfriend

You would know I love my family, my friends and the autism community out there

You would know that I’m Kerry, and no matter what autism means or doesn’t mean I’m being the best me I can be

Only if you knew me

If you are reading this, please know that autism can’t define our loved ones and only we can define autism. I know so many kids on the spectrum today who are trying to be the very best they can be. We as a community have so many unique and beautiful stories to share so please make sure they are heard.

*** By Kerry Magro ***

29/07/2025

"We went to Olive Garden in little rock after Ellees tests at Children's hospital and she was starving and I was trying to make a bottle and spilled it all over me and the floor and made another bottle and our waiter (wish I knew his name) watched all that had happened and just had brought our salad and bread sticks and said here let me feed her and you eat.. This melted all of us and this is what we need more of! He fed her I ate my salad and bread sticks and that milk on the floor got cleaned up after we left because he just understood! He didn't even know what we had went through that day and showed us love and understanding- not irritated that I had made a mess and my baby was screaming... Gosh I wish I woulda got his name because he deserves the recognition!!"

*** By Dallas French ***

29/07/2025

"To the mom in the baby water park at Kentucky Kingdom yesterday, (Friday, July 22), I talked to you about your kids. Their behavior struck me in such a way that I did something I normally don't do, and I asked your son where his mother was so I could have a word with her. We spoke and I don't think you fully understood how your children and their behavior affected me, so I am writing this.. maybe it will find its way to you and you will know who you are. Maybe it wont but other moms will see it and maybe take something away from it as well. It may not seem like a big deal to other people. But I do know that there are some people who will really get it.

I was at the park with Baylee, my 5 year old. She is autistic, and mostly non verbal. We were practicing very hard on waiting in line, and she was doing well for the most part. We had a routine. Wait in line.. then when we were 4 from the front, sit on the step, then down into the water then scoot up, then wait at the top of the slide for the ok to go from the lifeguard. This was our routine, and every time she did it, her understanding of the routine improved and her patience increased. But alas, children are children, there are little ones who don't understand waiting and jump right in front of the next in line and for the most part no big deal, except for a kiddo like mine, who really doesn't mind much that she had to wait longer, but is very upset that the steps of the routine she just learned are now out of whack. And to her it feels like the end of the world! Coping with unexpected change is another skill we practice every day. It is one of the more difficult skills to practice and especially in public when people, especially other children do not understand why she is reacting the way she does. I dread it. Not what she will do but what other people will.

So this happened, and as she was expecting to move up to the next step in the waiting game, and couldn't, I braced myself for what would happen, and that is when your daughter looked up at me and said "she can go ahead of me" Baylee had not had an opportunity to get upset yet, so I am not sure exactly why she did it. I felt like maybe she could tell by the way I had been talking to her that she had special needs. It was so sweet and I told her what a sweet girl she was. And we moved on. Of course as busy as the park is, it wasn't long before we found ourselves in the same situation, when a young boy this time was in front and offered to let Baylee go ahead because he could tell she was not understanding what happened. Again, I praised his good behavior and kindness and we went ahead, and I was struck that two different children would be so intuitive and kind. Like most autistic children, Baylee does not LOOK any different than any other child. And it's not really immediately obvious by her behavior either. It takes some observation and usually children their age don't realize she has autism. I guessed them to be 8-10ish. When I then seen them together it made sense. They were brother and sister. I told them both how great it was that they looked out for someone who was different.. and the difference that small acts of kindness make even if it doesn't seem like much. They really touched my heart.

So I asked your son to point you out for me. I made sure to let your kids know how nice it was for them to be kind and understanding but I wanted YOU to know that you are raising two wonderful children. When I came to you and told you about my experience with your kids and told you that they were super kids and you are doing a great job, you said "I don't know about that." Well, mom, you are. A small gesture like theirs may not seem like much. But I promise it was.

As a mom of a child with Autism, we do not know what to expect for her. She grows and learns more every day, but I still worry. Every time she has a big improvement or meets a goal she has worked for, my joy is immediately dimmed by the concern I have for the kinds of struggles she faces in a world that is not always kind. She is so funny and smart, and brings a smile to the face of most people who she comes into contact with, but sometimes we encounter people who do not immediately see how sweet and funny she is. I know there are people out there who will refuse to see those things simply because she is different. It scares me. I worry, I dread, and sometimes we stay home because we don't want to deal with some of the unpleasant things we sometimes experience.

Sure your children's kindness helped in that moment to avoid a meltdown, and that is kind of a big deal for kids on the spectrum, but I will tell you what is an even bigger deal though, and that is that it gave me some HOPE! When I looked at those sweet little faces, filled with pride as I praised them, it made me happy to know that more moms are raising their children the way you are!

So I just wanted to take the opportunity again to thank you and let you know you are doing a really really good job!"

*** By Stephanie Skaggs ***

29/07/2025

"This homeless man just walked into Roosters, sat down and ordered a Coke. The waitress asked if he wanted anything to eat, and he said 'sorry I have money for only a coke and a dollar tip for you.' Before the waitress could jump in and offer him food on her, a little boy from a nearby table came and sat down. He talked to the old guy, asked him how he was. Then grabbed the menu and said 'I have money. So pick something to eat and I will buy it for you.' The man refused cause he didn't want to seem helpless. That's when the server jumped in and also said 'sir I will buy you anything you want as well.' They both pleaded to the man for 5 minutes before he agreed to get a small order of wings. The point? America that we know and love isn't dead. There is still positiveness and kindness in this world."

*** By April Bueter Rex ***

29/07/2025

"On the way home from Little Rock this morning, me and the kids had a blowout. I am not sure what I ran over, but we were stranded on the side of the road within seconds. Of course, I called Roadside Assistance and they were preparing to dispatch someone. Minutes later, Officer Teddy Walker with the Hazen Police Department pulled up behind us. When he checked on us, he informed me that it was entirely too hot for us to wait on Roadside Assistance to find a tow. Since TJ had everything we needed in the truck to change the tire, Office Walker was willing to do the job. We eventually realized there was an issue with the tire, and he and Carlin were not going to be able to get the spare out the back. Office Walker continued to go beyond the call of duty by calling a tow truck to come out and get the truck off the highway. He waited with us for Billy’s Body Shop and Wrecker to arrive. He took selfies with Caitlyn and gave her his information so they could keep in touch. In short, Officer Walker was everything I know our officers to be and more. Once the towing process was underway he shook hands with Carlin, hugged me and Caitlyn, and told us, “God bless you.” Then this angel of God was on his way.

I am well aware that not every officer acts with dignity and respect on the job. I believe, however, that the vast majority of them go above and beyond the call of duty each and every day. It was a privilege to meet and be blessed by Officer Walker. Our evening prayer line prays nightly for officers and their families, civilians, and peace in our nation. We will continue to do so, and I praise God for officers like him.

While I know that the media enjoys sensationalizing the weaknesses of those who serve and protect, I choose instead to highlight this officer for upholding the responsibilities of his duty. He and many others are true pillars of the community. They deserve to be shouted out and reminded that they are appreciated beyond what mere words can say. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Feel free to share! When there is negative to be said, word gets around quick. Something positive should move twice as fast!!!"

*** By Janeen Jones ***

29/07/2025

"I just wanted to take a moment to share some of my experiences over the weekend relative to all of the tragedy we've faced over the past few weeks:

1. On my flight from Houston to Birmingham last week I was making my way back to the restroom. (We were on a regional jet with first class but only one facility in the very back of the plane.) I stopped to wait my turn next to a young black mother with her cute little baby about halfway back the cabin. He reached his arms out for me to hold him and I looked at her and said, "May I?" And she responded, "Oh yes, he loves attention." So I held him and cooed at him and did all the things you do with a baby. Shortly after, the man who was sitting across from me up front came to get in line as well. The reason I mentioned first class earlier is he was your typical first class passenger (older white man who gave the impression of being a tad bit snobby and not the baby type at all). The baby reached out to him, he looked at the mother and asked if it was ok and took him from my arms. They played and laughed and opened and closed the luggage compartments over and over to the baby's amusement. When the plane landed the mother was having a hard time getting the car seat on the stroller so the gentleman and I waited with her in the jetway and I held the baby while he helped her secure the car seat. She looked at us with a smile on her face and said, "People can say what they want about the south -- but this is southern hospitality. I'm from New York and I was nervous about being here but noone in New York would have shown this kindness. Thank you."

2. On the way back from the beach to Birmingham for me to catch my flight we stopped at Cracker Barrel to eat in Montgomery. There was a white Sherrif's deputy eating alone next to a large black family. The head of the family (a man in his 50's) got up from his table and went and sat with the deputy and they had a long chat that was filled with smiles and laughter and concluded with an affectionate handshake.

3. There were lots of thunderstoms in Birmingham yesterday and the runway was literally a lake. When planes would land water would fly over the roof of the planes and cloud to ground lightning strikes were everywhere. My anxiety was at max level to say the least. I reluctantly boarded the plane because of nerves with tears in my eyes and found my seat next to a young black soldier on his way to Ft. Hood. I told him I was really nervous and may have to hold his hand. He looked at me and said, "Yes, that's ok, I'm terrified to fly too." When we took off we hit some pretty bad bumps and so I patted his shoulder and he squeezed my hand and we talked our way through it.

This is America; these are the race relations of most Americans. Helping each other -- hand in hand -- in all different shades of love and skin color. It breaks my heart the media is doing everything they can to convince us otherwise."

*** By Brooke Smitherman ***

29/07/2025

"This, THIS, is my husband. He is a father, a husband, an Airman, and a police officer. He is a hero. He would jump in front of a bullet for a stranger. He will answer the call for anyone, at any time. He will always do his job, and do it well, with dignity and respect.

Last night he responded to a domestic call, and in the middle of sorting through the details, he did what any decent human being would do, and calmed a crying baby, who didn't ask to be thrown into this chaos. He got to nurture and show a side of him that most people don't get the honor to see when he responds to calls, and that's what kind of father he is.

This is my husband. I'm proud of him. I love him. Words can't express how much I wish the world of "cop haters" could truly see what real officers experience and endure. I wish they could see who these men and women in blue really are and how they feel. The pain, the pride, the heartache, and the victories. But for now, they can see this...

Just a real man, in a real moment.

My husband. My hero."

*** By Katie Foote ***

29/07/2025

"After leaving out of the store today my daughter did something that really made me stop and think. There was this guy sitting there crying and she asks me 'did you see that man crying? What's wrong with him?' I said yes but I'm not sure maybe he's just sad...She said, 'maybe he's hot and thirsty' she walked over to him and goes 'hi sir be happy it's a nice day it's not raining. Are you hot? Why don't you go home the ground is dirty?' He says I have no home but I will be ok. She looked at him with the saddest face and goes 'so that means you're homeless. So you have no food because you have no refrigerator.' She gave him a few dollars out of her purse and her drink and said, 'Please go eat. It would make me happy. I like McDonald's you should go there.' I could tell she made his day. On top of that 2 more people came up and gave money as well. We had a small conversation and he explained his trailer burnt down and he lost everything including his wife. I felt for him. It just warms my heart. A 6 year old lead by example this morning. AWESOME! Kids see no color and that's exactly how it should be. It's not just a statement saying that the children are our future, it's a FACT. That gives me a little more hope for the world."

*** By Kenyatta Lewis ***

28/07/2025

As some of you know, I have gone through every mother's worst fear. On June 2nd, I lost my youngest son in a horrible car accident. I was driving. I had pulled away from a gas station, checking each buckle, and I began to drive the curvy, mountainous road to my family's house. My son was notorious for doing everything he could to unbuckle in the car ("The Flash doesn't wear a seatbelt, and I'm the Flash, mama") We tried five point harness seats, boosters, I believe even zip ties at one point (probably not safe either) but he always viewed it as a superhero challenge. He was a superhero because he always succeeded. On average, I would usually pull over three or four times on any given trip to firmly make him buckle up again. We were only five minutes out when a large rock rolled into my lane. I had three choices: try to straddle the rock, move to the oncoming lane which was a double line large curve with an angry river at the other side. Rock, head on collision, river. I chose the rock. I chose wrong. And yes, he had already unbuckled along with his 8 year old brother. (They were switching spots and I didn't know.) The rock hit my axle, and sent us plummeting into the side of a cliff. Our 13 passenger van rolled and my son was instantly gone. Our lives were instantly ripped apart. The little boy who had been my pride and joy was cruelly taken from me in a matter of seconds. I remember being smashed between my console (no airbag engaged) and our three ton van. I had blood everywhere. I fought and fought and then blacked out. When I awoke, I was unbuckling my baby from her car seat (she was upside down) and working to get each child (5 of my children were with me) out of the van. When I came to Titus I worked with all my might to lift the heavy van off his tiny body. My 8 year old son was trying to help me. I could only see the lower half of his body. I rubbed his tummy and tried gentle compressions. But he was already gone. It was instantaneous, which only brings me comfort because I know he felt no pain. What followed was a blur. I refused treatment from the paramedics until they let me hold my dead son. All my children were whipped away and taken to an ambulance to be cared for. I was life flighted and sedated, for the shock made me inconsolable. It was two days later that I saw it all over Facebook. A news report reporting the death of my child as if they were reporting that the weather might change, or a new planet had been discovered. I was thankful they reported that no drugs or alcohol had been a factor. But that's not what hurt. The readers commented the cruelest things about how horrible of a mother I was. How I deserved it. How my children should be taken from me. I wanted to punch them, shake them. Tell them how close we were, how hard I fought to keep him safe. How we had a special good night kiss and a designated McDonald's date each week. I wanted to scream that he always told me he wanted to marry me, that I was the best mama ever. That he built me Lego ships, took naps in my bed while holding my hand with his dimpled little fingers.

But no one would have listened anyway. I feel led to write this to all you Mamas because I have a longing to look each of you in the eyes and tell you this: "Hold your babies tight". That's all I want to shout to the world.

I'm not who I once was; death and loss changes a person from the inside out.

I have held my dead sons body in the middle of a highway while I rocked him and screamed - no ordered God to bring him back.

-I have chosen a funeral plot for my four year old boy as I contemplated jumping from the cliff the cemetery overlooks just so I could be where he is.

-I have purchased a 200 dollars superhero outfit for my son to wear as he decomposes in the earth.

-I have kissed a co**se over and over and wept as I traced over every feature of his ice cold face and held his still dimpled, but lifeless hands.

-I have slept in a cemetery just to try and take one more nap with him. I talk to the dirt. To the ground where he lies with his lovey blanket and his avengers outfit.

And what I want to say (if you've read this far, you're so patient and so kind) is this. And you can share it with any mama you know.

- maybe finishing broccoli at dinner isn't as important as we might think. Watch how your children eat, soak in their hatred for corn (oh how Titus hated corn). Maybe they can still have ice cream - even just sometimes - while those veggies still sit on their plate.

-learn to pretend. Get into their world. Learn to play the Xbox with them. Embrace their beautiful, fleeting imagination. Let them really believe that they are Captain America or Queen Elsa. Get in their mind, see how they tick. The dishes will still be there.

- take every hug and kiss they bring you - even the twenty fifth one they use just to get out of bed at night. And really squeeze them.

-stop and look at the bugs, the rocks, the sticks, the sunset. Slow down mama, slow down.

- tell them you love them. But look in their eyes and say it like you mean it. Tell them they can do anything - anything they set their mind to.

-yes, we must hold them accountable but sometimes- maybe grace is the answer. Maybe, just maybe, they won't end up ruined if we let some things slide.

-never judge another mama. We don't know the whole story, we don't know. We just don't know.

-Go hug your babies right now. Soak in their smell, look at the innocent sparkle in their eyes that is lost somewhere between childhood and adulthood. Really feel how they squeeze you. Set down your phone and see them through the lens of your eyes not only the lens of your camera. Remember the feeling of their head on your shoulder, their hand in yours, their sloppy kisses on your cheeks. Nurse them one more time. Sleep is overrated. Listen five minutes longer about Star Wars, minecraft and Disney princesses.
Mamas, hold your children tight. How blessed you are to have been entrusted with such unique, beautiful, tiny humans.

*** By Ashley Grimm ***

28/07/2025

"I was notified by a friend of a situation that was being posted on our community page, here in Georgia. We have a nice little college called Gordon College, here, and they have dorms, etc. This past weekend, a 19 year old Gordon student was found sleeping in a tent, hidden in the bushes with only a box of cereal to eat. He rode a little boys 20" bicycle 6 hours in the heat of the day - with 2 duffel bags of all he owned and 2 gallons of water - from Conyers, to get to Gordon because he said he thought it would be the safest place for him to sleep in a tent, until he could get in the dorms on July 18th.
The campus police found him and told him to come out with his hands up and then realized there was something wrong; they asked him what the real story was and he told them. He was homeless and this would be his second semester at Gordon. The campus police found out this kid is wanting to be a biology major and was truly homeless and hungry. They took him to a local motel and several officers paid for him 2 nights there. He had nothing but 2 duffel bags, a little bike, a box of cereal and 2 gallon jugs to put water in.

I realized that his 2 days in the motel were up today and Cole and I decided to go find him. The motel called his room and asked him to come downstairs. I asked him if what I read was true - about riding his bike 6 hours, no food, sleeping in a tent, etc. He quietly said, 'yes ma'am.' I asked him what we could do to help him, as the owner of the motel listened in. He said, 'ma'am, if someone could just help me find a job, I'll be ok.' He told me he could move in the dorms on July 18th and the owner of the motel confirmed he was only paid-up through 11am this morning. The owner of the motel graciously gave him a discount for the motel until the 18th and I told him we would take care of that. His face lit up - I don't think I've ever seen someone so grateful and humble.

I handed him what cash I had on me and told him I was going to go to the local places to see if they were hiring and I would let him know. Cole and I hit the streets going to places to see if they had any jobs that would work with a school schedule. This kid said he would take any job, and he meant it. Well, he got a job washing dishes at a local pizza place and gets to start tomorrow! He was so thrilled. Truly thrilled.

I thought that helping find him a job, giving him some money and paying for his motel was going to be it for me. I just couldn't stop thinking about how lonely and rejected he must feel. How he must be questioning IF he was going to be able to finish college, eat, and make life work. Then I thought --- geez, this kid just rode a 20" little boys bike 6 hours in 100 degree weather....he's determined. But, I started feeling horrible that he was sitting alone in a motel room with no one....it was KILLING Cole and me. We went back and just sat and talked to him. Then we took him to get a few shorts and t-shirts for his new job and shared some laughs. We just dropped him off a bit ago, back at his motel room.

I got the most gut-wrenching text from him where he asked if he could spend time with our family - that he just felt a connection to us - he said he just needed to feel like he was connected to someone. I cried...and I cried. How could this happen to this kid?! I hated to tell him that we were leaving for Hawaii in a few weeks, for a long time.
So, if you live in this area, and you have room in your heart for someone that needs family...please invite him to dinner a few times a month. Please take time to cheer him on and tell him he can do this. Please pray for him. Please share some life with him. If you want to help him with clothes, shoes, food gift-cards, anything on your heart. Please let me know and I'll get it to him. He's worth it. I promise."

*** By Casey Blaney ***

28/07/2025

"I was just in line at the gas station to get some gas minding my own business.. It was this young lady in front of me taking forever.. I overheard the cashier tell her that both of the cards were declined 😳 she said, 'Is something wrong with your machine?' She turned around to walk away and I had a smile on my face.. She said to me 'why are you f**king smiling?' I said to her 'watch your mouth; I always smile and you should too.' I looked at the cashier and said, 'What pump number is she on?' He said, 'Pump number two, why?' I said, 'Can I put $20 on pump number two for her?' He said, 'are you serious she was very rude to you'. It was another black guy behind me he said go ahead and fill it up... We both went half on her gas.. When we walked outside to tell her about the gas this lady apologized so many times, crying her eyes out..she went inside her truck to show us her new hire paperwork😊☺️ she started work on Monday so she needed gas for the week until she gets paid... Lord thank you for reminding me of all the reasons why I should keep a smile on my face. That goes to show you we never know what a person is going through And we all have a purpose on this earth!"

*** By Bryan Brown ***

28/07/2025

After work I went to the store to pick up a few things.

While checking out, the cashier, looked at my name tag and said, "So what do you do there?"

I replied, "I'm a nurse."

She continued, "I'm surprised they let you work there like that. What do your patients think about your hair?"

She then proceeded to ask the elderly lady that was in line behind me, "What do you think about her hair?"

The kind older lady said, "Nothing against you honey, it's just not for me."

Then the cashier continued to comment that they didn't allow that sort of thing even when she worked fast food and that she was shocked that a nursing facility would allow that.

Well, here's my thoughts. I can't recall a time that my hair color has prevented me from providing life saving treatment to one of my patients. My tattoos have never kept them from holding my hand and as they lay frightened and crying because Alzheimer's has stolen their mind. My multiple ear piercings have never interfered with me hearing them reminisce about their better days or listening to them as they express their last wishes. My tongue piercing has never kept me from speaking words of encouragement to a newly diagnosed patient or from comforting a family that is grieving.

So, please explain to me how my appearance, while being paired with my cheerful disposition, servant's heart, and smiling face, has made me unfit to provide nursing care and unable to do my job!

*** By Mary Walls Penney ***

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