The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation

That Day When Grief and Joy Co-Exist

Linda Walder — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 18:56:36 +0000

When a date is significant for more than one reason, how do we value the multiple meanings associated with the same time marker?

Sometimes a date calls for the remembrance of two or more happy occasions like two people we love sharing a birthday. At those times, we generally have no problem separating out the significance for each individual. We celebrate both people, perhaps send a card or present or even celebrate in different ways depending on the circumstances.

Why then do we struggle with the same differentiation when two different sorts of markers collide on the same date and how can we sync the differences to create special meanings on that same eventful date?

For instance, September 11th aka 9/11 holds multiple meanings for me. My son Daniel Jordan Fiddle (www.djfiddlefoundation.org)was born on this day. My firstborn child’s birthday is a date evoking some of the greatest happiness I have ever known. I will always celebrate my Danny, the vital meaning of his life and his joyful presence, especially on September 11th!

I, like many others around the world, will also always remember the earth-shattering events marking 9/11. September 11, 2001 changed our world forever(think about airport protocols, to name one) and my personal world was changed on that date forever too as it was Danny’s first birthday since his passing.

Standing at Evention a party planning and gift shop in New Jersey, as a bouquet of red balloons was prepared for me to hang on my gate in remembrance of Danny, the television news reported that the World Trade Center had been struck by an aircraft and was imploding. Danny’s father and thousands of others were there at work and no one knew what would become of them. During those treacherous hours after the attack, I was numb, I had been numb anyway, but now I was practically comatose. Fortunately Danny’s father survived but so many others perished and will never be forgotten.

As time has moved twenty years forward I have come to a place of reconciliation regarding the multiple significances of the date September 11th. I posited the thought that since birthdays are a time we celebrate someone, so too are days commemorating loss. Both occasions acknowledge special people we love.

Twenty years later, September 11th is still a day filled with many emotions and memories. I will think about all of those who senselessly perished, their families and friends who miss them and the immeasurable grief those horrific events caused. I will celebrate each life in my prayers. I will perhaps cry too, a mix of sad and happy tears, as I also celebrate the birthday of my precious son and his enduring legacy.

Grief and joy exist on each calendar day, sometimes side by side co-existing as they do for me on 9/11. When we can value our experiences and their impact on us, we become more resilient for all the days of our lives.

Linda J. Walder

The post That Day When Grief and Joy Co-Exist first appeared on The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.

World Autism Day 2013

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 01:37:34 +0000

Linda Walder Fiddle Moderated United Nations Panel for World Autism Day 2013. Watch the video here.

The post World Autism Day 2013 first appeared on The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.

Classic Women Awards by Better TV

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 01:36:20 +0000

Watch Linda on Better TV.

Watch the video here.

The post Classic Women Awards by Better TV first appeared on The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.

Coming of Age: Autism and the Transition to Adulthood

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 01:29:43 +0000

EDUCATION & RESEARCH Many people are unaware that autism is a lifelong challenge. It’s time to get real about adult autism and its diverse individuality.

Read Linda’s Story From September 25th, 2015 featured in USA Today Media Planet.

In the next decade, 500,000 children with an autism diagnosis will become adults. But what do we really know about them? What are their hopes and abilities, and what can we as a society do to provide the opportunities and support they will need to live, work and attain their individual goals?

Updating the dialogue
It’s time to get real about adult autism and the diverse individuality of this population. What does it mean to “get real about adult autism?” First, we need to acknowledge the misconceptions and misinformation that exists. Internationally respected teacher Dr. Stephen Shore, who is also diagnosed, has stated, “If you meet one person with autism, you meet one person with autism.”

“If you meet one person with autism, you meet one person with autism.”

Adults have various manifestations of autism, but all are people like others with a unique personality, abilities and struggles. The fact is that strengths and talents can be enhanced and nurtured when given opportunities to work in the mainstream.

Jimmy Scancarella, a 26 year old man, is a great example of how an opened door to employment at PPI-Time Zero led to full-time job success as a stock room clerk.

Individualized understanding
Another misconception is that one-size fits all in housing and residential options. Denise Resnik, Founder of First Place espouses the view of professionals that a variety of safe, community settings leads to greater self-sufficiency, independence and fulfillment for individuals and peace of mind for their families.

According to 32-year-old Amy Gravino, one of the biggest misconceptions is that “not having the skills to form interpersonal relationships means that the desire is not there.” In her upcoming book, “The Naughty Autie,” Amy writes about her dating journey. Like most people, Amy is looking for someone to love and accept her for who she is.

Getting real about adult autism means that people are not defined solely by a diagnosis and that all are worthy of living their best life possible in an open-minded society.

The post Coming of Age: Autism and the Transition to Adulthood first appeared on The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.

What Now for Autistic People No Longer in School?

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 01:26:25 +0000

Programs at UM-NSU CARD teach adults on the autism spectrum how to find jobs, learn about managing money, and developing workplace social skills.

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Transition and Adult Programs featured in the Miami Herald. Read more.

The post What Now for Autistic People No Longer in School? first appeared on The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.

Trustees Join Dr. Roger Jou to Present Gift in Support of Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Research Fund

admin — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 01:25:49 +0000

Trustees Join Dr. Roger Jou to Present Gift in Support of Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Research Fund

Trustees of Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation
From left: Dr. Roger Jou, Howard Fiddle (Secretary), Linda Walder (Founder and President), and Frederick Fiddle (Founder and Treasurer)

Trustees of the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation joined Dr. Roger Jou in New York City to present an additional gift in support of the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Research Fund at the Yale Child Study Center.
Read about it here.

The post Trustees Join Dr. Roger Jou to Present Gift in Support of Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Research Fund first appeared on The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.