I always look for the positive stories to share with my readers, and I found a great one for this week! It has to do with kids who have special needs, illnesses, or issues, and how to two people have helped them to see themselves differently.
A photographer and his wife, Josh and Roxanna Rossi, spend their own money having costumes made for their subjects, and then photographing them for various projects. John is a commercial photographer in Salt Lake City who has found a higher calling. I saw this story on CBS SUNDAY MORNING on October 31, 2021, and I liked it so much, I have gone back to watch the video several more times. The way these two gifted people make their child subjects feel like superheroes is absolutely amazing, as well as transformational! Not only does the child forget about his illness/issue for a few hours, but the child also gains a whole new perspective on himself, as see in the video.
Roxanna and Josh make each chlld and his/her parents feel so special. They have a costume designer who makes each individual costume specifically for the child, which is very expensive. During a typical photo shoot, Josh captures over 500-1000 images of the child, many with special effects in mind, then he uses his own magic to make the pictures something uniquely wonderful. The photos are stunning.
When you watch the story, take note of how the pictures changed the kids' perceptions. One boy with a major heart issue now sees himself as "different" in a good way! A boy who was bullied took his superhero picture to school, and the bullies apologized to him, and now leave him alone. These stories made me cry and cheer at the same time. I love and admire the work the Josh and Roxanna Rossi are doing for some very special child heroes.
Give yourself a treat - watch the clip from CBS SUNDAY MORNING.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVUq4lBHE4E
To visit Josh's website and find out more about his work, please go to http://www.joshrossi.com
"How others see you is not important. How you see yourself means everything."
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
Connect with Dede!
Twitter @dederittman
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