For I Know The Plans: A Powerful Journey of Advocacy, Resilience, and Triumph

RAISING SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN
For I Know The Plans: A Powerful Journey of Advocacy, Resilience, and Triumph

“For I Know The Plans…One Mother’s Fight For Equal Education In A Public School System”

Memoir of the year? Yes, right here!

This newsletter is all about educating and mentoring our children and Ms. Bernita Petterson-Ryan, educator, author, advocate, and most importantly, Jai’s Mommie has written a compelling and heartfelt memoir that chronicles the arduous journey of a mother advocating for equal education in a public school system for her son, Clinton Jai, affectionately known as The Boy.

From page one, I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster, and I did not want to get off. As a mother and a woman, I felt Bernita’s heart as we explored the challenges of single parenthood, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the triumph of a mother's unwavering commitment to securing a bright future for her child.

“For I Know The Plans” unfolds against the backdrop of a textbook, perfect pregnancy. After years of trying, God gave Bernita and her husband the perfect child, the exact child who she needed and who needed her.

As time progressed personal challenges began. The strains of a divorce, along with Jai being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a mild case of autism, and a lack of development of his fine motor skills, took a toll on Bernita’s mental health.

Depression and anxiety became a constant silent battle but as a single parent, she navigated the complexities of raising a child with special needs, vividly portraying the emotional turmoil that often accompanies such a responsibility. Her honesty about her experiences with depression and anxiety adds a layer of vulnerability, making her story relatable to readers facing similar challenges.

Jai's educational journey had many twists and turns, however, the power of a persistent, unwavering mother, who would not allow her son fall through the cracks, brought Jai from a child who was bullied, with no long-term friends to a flourishing college student, studying Computer Animation, living independently, making friends for the very first time and even dating. Bernita's tenacity in fighting for her son's right to an equal education is inspiring to parents facing similar battles.

“For I Know The Plans” underscores the importance of being an advocate for one's child and oneself within an educational system that may not always cater to the unique needs of every student.

Bernita weaves an important message about the significance of self-care throughout her touching narrative. Amidst the challenges she faced, she highlights the importance of prioritizing one's mental and emotional well-being. Her journey shows us that in the pursuit of a better future for our children, we must not neglect our own self-care.

Beyond the struggles, Bernita also embraces life's beautiful pleasures; the fullness your heart feels when you see your child thriving, learning to trust The Holy Spirit, and trusting that God’s plan is perfect and pure. Even the unexpected weekend getaways to Paris had a purpose. (Get the book and you’ll understand).

"For I Know The Plans" is a passionate memoir that resonates with the universal themes of resilience, advocacy, and the enduring love between a parent and child.

It is a light in the darkness for those navigating the complexities of parenting children with special needs, offering valuable lessons on advocacy, self-care, and finding beauty in life's journey.