{"id":96,"date":"2023-08-09T21:53:36","date_gmt":"2023-08-09T21:53:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lookbeyondpublications.com\/?page_id=96"},"modified":"2025-01-14T20:20:58","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T20:20:58","slug":"home-page","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lookbeyondpublications.com\/","title":{"rendered":"Different, Yet Like Me"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Look beyond our differences and honor our\u00a0<\/span>similarities. <\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_menu menu_style=”centered” active_link_color=”#000000″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ show_search_icon=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_text_color=”#000000″ menu_font_size=”16px” custom_margin=”|||35px|false|false” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_menu][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|on|on” admin_label=”top section mobile” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|0px||0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|10px|0px|false|false” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|-1px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lookbeyondpublications.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/finallogo3-28-No3-w-white-300×300.jpg” alt=”Look Beyond publications” title_text=”finallogo3-28-No3-w-white” url=”https:\/\/lookbeyondpublications.com\/” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”|35px|0px|35px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||on||||||” text_font_size=”15px” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Look beyond our differences and honor our\u00a0<\/span>similarities. <\/em><\/strong><\/h6>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_menu menu_style=”centered” active_link_color=”#000000″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ show_search_icon=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_text_color=”#000000″ menu_font_size=”16px” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_menu][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Best Selling Book Section” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ background_color=”#e5f2e1″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0) 1%|rgba(255,255,255,0) 99%” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(148,166,191,0.34)” background_color_gradient_start_position=”40%” background_color_gradient_end=”#f4f4f4″ background_color_gradient_end_position=”0%” background_enable_image=”off” background_blend=”multiply” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”25px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”2px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ text_font=”Nunito|600|||||||” text_font_size=”15px” header_font=”Abhaya Libre|700|||||||” header_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.7)” header_font_size=”55px” header_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_font=”Nunito|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.7)” header_4_letter_spacing=”2px” header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” animation_intensity_slide=”5%” animation_starting_opacity=”100%” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/h4>\n

Welcome to\u00a0the children\u2019s book series<\/em><\/h4>\n

Different, Yet Like Me\u2122<\/small><\/h1>\n

By MARY SALZ<\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ text_font=”|500|||||||” text_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.7)” text_font_size=”17px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” animation_intensity_slide=”5%” animation_starting_opacity=”100%” custom_css_free_form=”|| \/* unvisited link *\/|| a:link {|| color: #27c8e3;|| }|| ||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The series is designed to provide a better understanding of how illnesses, disabilities, and differences affect people.<\/p>\n

Each book tells the story of a person with a difference, such as a disability or illness.<\/p>\n

As children read about things the person encounters and how they deal with differences, they may become more comfortable around people with different looks. They may be more open and kind in talking with people who have differences,
realizing that the similarities between them far outweigh the differences.<\/p>\n

Perhaps some children with differences will become more comfortable going out and start feeling more free to do the things they like.<\/p>\n

<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
Watch for new books. They will be listed here!<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
For information about having a book about you \u2014 email\u00a0mary@lookbeyondpublications.com<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section book 1″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#6dc163 0%|rgba(109,193,99,0.2) 100%” custom_margin=”||-27px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lookbeyondpublications.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/cover-image.jpg” title_text=”cover-image” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image book one” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_slide=”5%” animation_starting_opacity=”100%” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ box_shadow_vertical=”35px” box_shadow_blur=”70px” box_shadow_spread=”-35px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”book one title Text” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_text_color=”#000000″ header_4_font=”Nunito||||||||” header_6_font=”Nunito Sans||||||||” custom_margin=”27px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\n
Book One<\/b><\/span><\/h6>\n

Different, Yet Like Me: DARLA<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”book one summary” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

DARLA is Book One of this series about people with differences.<\/em>
It is based on a true story and the setting is the Arizona desert.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/h5>\n
Summary<\/h5>\n

Darla finds her best friend and has a carefree childhood until she loses a leg to cancer. Her journey is difficult, going through chemotherapy and looking different after her amputation, but Darla is brave. Despite her disability, she goes out to have fun with help from her friend and sweet little support dog, a teacup poodle. Getting a new decorated prosthetic leg helps her get back to her old life. She loves being with her friends again, who were at first nervous to be with her. She is able to do almost all the things she enjoys. To celebrate her health, they all go on a fantastic trip to the Grand Canyon!<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”endorsement Section book 1″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Endorsement Text” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.7)” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_4_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.7)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Endorsements<\/h4>\n

As a former kindergarten and preschool teacher, I appreciate this book very much. The author presents \u201cdisabilities\u201d as normal, not to be feared. She also presents the reality that people can be hurt by being isolated because of their disabilities. I believe it is advantageous to expose children to these issues as soon as they realize differences so they can be accepting and caring. In addition, it is hoped that children <\/em>with disabilities may feel more confident after reading this book. \u2014 Gaye Fifer<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/em><\/p>\n

This book is a wonderful read for students who are facing <\/em>difficulties. It is a great reminder of the importance of <\/em>acceptance and friendship. This inspiring story of <\/em>resiliency will encourage elementary readers! <\/em>\u2014 Allison Scull, Elementary School Teacher<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section book 2″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#76a1bb 0%|#b9d4e9 100%” custom_margin=”||-27px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lookbeyondpublications.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Luke-Cover_Paperback-front.jpg” alt=”Book 2 Luke” title_text=”Luke-Cover_Paperback-front” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image book two” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_slide=”5%” animation_starting_opacity=”100%” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ box_shadow_vertical=”35px” box_shadow_blur=”70px” box_shadow_spread=”-35px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”book two title Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_text_color=”#000000″ header_4_font=”Nunito||||||||” header_6_font=”Nunito Sans||||||||” custom_margin=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\n
Book Two<\/b><\/span><\/h6>\n

Different, Yet Like Me: LUKE<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”book two summary” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Nunito||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

LUKE is book two of this series about people with differences.<\/em>
It is inspired by real people and set in the Colorado Rockies.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/h5>\n
Summary<\/h5>\n

Luke is a smart and funny boy who is missing just one thing\u2026arms!\u00a0<\/em>Luckily, he has a great big brother, Ricky, to help him learn to navigate\u00a0<\/em>life without them \u2013 and have fun along the way.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Endorsement Section book 2″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Endorsement Text” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.7)” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_4_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.7)” custom_margin=”||45px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Endorsements<\/h4>\n

“I love this book. Today, kids may be familiar with wheelchairs and sign language <\/span>but someone with no arms? Not so much. More proof we are all our own “normal\u201d. <\/span>I should know; I also have no arms! \u2014 Alvin Law<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

As a former kindergarten and preschool teacher, I appreciate this book very much. <\/span>The author presents \u201cdisabilities\u201d as normal, not to be feared. She also presents <\/span>the reality that people can be hurt by being isolated because of their disabilities. <\/span>I believe it is advantageous to expose children to these issues as soon as they realize <\/span>differences so they can be accepting and caring. In addition, it is hoped that children\u00a0<\/span><\/em>
with disabilities may feel more confident after reading this book. \u2014 Gaye Fifer<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Thanks for letting me read this! This story is great and inspirational, <\/span>and I love the jokes. \u2014 John Fox of Bookfox<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|off|off” admin_label=”Footer Section desktop” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ background_color=”#87a77b” custom_margin=”||40px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||20px||false|false” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”0px” box_shadow_vertical=”35px” box_shadow_blur=”65px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(188,163,146,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=” Where to Buy: ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”h||divi||400″ icon_color=”#ffffff” image_icon_background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0)” image_icon_width=”32px” admin_label=”Where To Buy” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ header_font=”Abhaya Libre|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_font=”Nunito||||||||” body_text_color=”#ffffff” body_font_size=”18px” image_icon_custom_padding=”25px|25px|25px|25px|false|false” text_orientation=”center” custom_css_free_form=” \/* unvisited link *\/|| a:link {|| color: #082595;|| }|| ” border_radii_image=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” border_width_all_image=”3px” border_color_all_image=”#ffffff” icon_font_size=”32px” use_circle=”on” use_circle_border=”on” circle_border_color=”#ffffff” circle_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0)” global_colors_info=”{}” image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled=”#7EBEC5″ image_icon_background_color__sticky=”#7EBEC5″]<\/p>\n

Amazon Kindle at amazon.com<\/a><\/div>\n
Your favorite bookstore can order it for you
and please ask your librarian to order it!
<\/span>Available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook.<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”Contact the Author” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#ffffff” image_icon_background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0)” image_icon_width=”32px” admin_label=”Contact Author” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ header_font=”Abhaya Libre|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_font=”Nunito||||||||” body_text_color=”#0C71C3″ body_font_size=”18px” image_icon_custom_padding=”25px|25px|25px|25px|false|false” text_orientation=”center” border_radii_image=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” border_width_all_image=”3px” border_color_all_image=”#ffffff” icon_font_size=”32px” use_circle=”on” use_circle_border=”on” circle_border_color=”#ffffff” circle_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0)” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled=”#7EBEC5″ image_icon_background_color__sticky=”#7EBEC5″]<\/p>\n

<\/span>mary@lookbeyondpublications.com<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|on|on” admin_label=”Footer Section mobile” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ background_color=”#87a77b” custom_padding=”20px||20px||false|false” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#FFFFFF” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ box_shadow_horizontal=”0px” box_shadow_vertical=”35px” box_shadow_blur=”65px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(188,163,146,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=” Where to Buy: ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”h||divi||400″ icon_color=”#ffffff” image_icon_background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0)” image_icon_width=”32px” admin_label=”Where To Buy” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ header_font=”Abhaya Libre|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_font=”Nunito||||||||” body_text_color=”#ffffff” body_font_size=”18px” image_icon_custom_padding=”25px|25px|25px|25px|false|false” text_orientation=”center” border_radii_image=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” border_width_all_image=”3px” border_color_all_image=”#ffffff” icon_font_size=”32px” use_circle=”on” use_circle_border=”on” circle_border_color=”#ffffff” circle_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0)” global_colors_info=”{}” image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled=”#7EBEC5″ image_icon_background_color__sticky=”#7EBEC5″]<\/p>\n

Amazon Kindle at amazon.com<\/a><\/div>\n
Your favorite bookstore can order it for you and please ask your librarian to order it! <\/span>Available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook.<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb title=”Contact the Author” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#ffffff” image_icon_background_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0)” image_icon_width=”32px” admin_label=”Contact Author” _builder_version=”4.22.1″ header_font=”Abhaya Libre|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_font=”Nunito||||||||” body_text_color=”#0C71C3″ body_font_size=”18px” image_icon_custom_padding=”25px|25px|25px|25px|false|false” text_orientation=”center” border_radii_image=”on|100%|100%|100%|100%” border_width_all_image=”3px” border_color_all_image=”#ffffff” icon_font_size=”32px” use_circle=”on” use_circle_border=”on” circle_border_color=”#ffffff” circle_color=”rgba(189,173,160,0)” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled=”#7EBEC5″ image_icon_background_color__sticky=”#7EBEC5″]<\/p>\n

<\/span>mary@lookbeyondpublications.com<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Best Selling Book Section” module_id=”life-lessons” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#4d8dc1 0%|rgba(77,141,193,0) 60%” background_color_gradient_start=”#ffffff” background_color_gradient_start_position=”70%” background_color_gradient_end=”#f4f4f4″ background_color_gradient_end_position=”0%” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”|0|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lookbeyondpublications.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/LifeLessonsFromDarla-2000-scaled.jpg” title_text=”LifeLessonsFromDarla-2000″ align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ width=”90%” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_slide=”5%” animation_starting_opacity=”100%” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ box_shadow_vertical=”35px” box_shadow_blur=”70px” box_shadow_spread=”-35px” box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Nunito|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”15px” header_font=”Abhaya Libre||||||||” header_line_height=”0.9em” header_4_font=”Abhaya Libre|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#000000″ header_4_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” animation_intensity_slide=”5%” animation_starting_opacity=”100%” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Life Lessons\u00a0from Darla<\/h1>\n

By Mary Salz<\/h4>\n

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Shock. That was Darla\u2019s first reaction when her carefree childhood was disrupted by cancer. Her life became a roller coaster of intense emotions. Sadly, she lost her leg and, ultimately, faced death. During her illness, we shared difficult times, but also great times celebrating life as Darla grew in faith and joy.<\/p>\n

My life was enriched by my precious friendship with Darla. She taught me to be more peaceful, loving, and accepting. My love for Darla and gratitude for the life lessons I received from being with her transcended the heartbreak of losing her. I learned that our choices shape our lives. Will we live in love or fear? Will we be courageous or withdraw when given challenges? Will we be caring or careless with others?<\/p>\n

Here I share comical and touching tales of life with feisty Darla. I also include heartwarming stories about other amazing people with differences. Like Darla\u2019s, their stories offer insight and inspiration. They show us that differences make the world a richer place.<\/p>\n

\"American<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”exerpts Section” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Exerpts” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.7)” text_font_size=”15px” text_line_height=”1.9em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Excerpts \u2014<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

I remember walking down the hall of the hospital to visit Darla after her leg had been removed. I was very uncomfortable, literally shaking. My heart was racing. When we quietly walked into her room, my smile was weird. She couldn\u2019t look at me anyway so I let the forced smile fall. She was extremely pale and her soft blue eyes blinked as though she hoped to wake up from a bad dream. Her trauma was obvious. I longed to comfort her. I desperately wanted to say, \u201cIt will be okay,\u201d but how could I? I took a deep breath and slowly walked up to tentatively touch her hand. \u201cSorry,\u201d came out as a croak. One small teardrop escaped, sliding down her beautiful face. Suddenly, we were weeping together\u2014big, sad tears of anguish. She was a brave girl, but nobody should have to be brave all the time. Crying relieves stress. We let out all we could.<\/p>\n

Nobody wanted to talk about her lost leg. I didn\u2019t want to look at her legs either, but my curiosity was strong. I looked. I glimpsed a leg and a quarter of a leg under the sheet and looked away. My 12-year-old mind had a hard time with the reality. Then I found myself staring. It was really \u2026 gone. Flustered and not knowing what to say, I quietly sat by Darla while our mothers nervously chatted across the room, giving us time to reconnect. For several moments, we glanced at each other and looked away with a shyness, as if we were first meeting. Then a thought came to me. Was I looking at Darla\u2019s body or at Darla? With fresh understanding, I looked at her and it was okay. Not so scary. It was my turn to give her the gift of acceptance, no matter what she faced. She was still my best friend, with a difference. A missing leg\u2014a small change overall. When we think with our hearts, small differences are nothing. I smiled at her and she gave a tiny smile back. We finally talked normally and then hugged goodbye saying, \u201cSee you soon!\u201d I didn\u2019t like to see her suffering but left the hospital feeling happier.<\/p>\n

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*****<\/p>\n

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She wouldn\u2019t have her dates or even a first kiss. So \u2026 she decided to live those things through me. Feisty little Darla gave me a smile one day. Not a sweet one\u2014one of those sly little grins that made me cringe. I lifted my eyebrows and stared, waiting for it. \u201cGo find somebody to kiss you,\u201d she said nonchalantly. \u201cHa!\u201d I squeaked, \u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s that easy.\u201d \u201cWell, it can be,\u201d she said. I was willing to do an awful lot for her, but this?<\/p>\n

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Table of Contents<\/p>\n

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Part 1 \u2013 A Deep and Precious Friendship
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