Meet Carmella Alexander | Special needs Bus Driver
We had the good fortune of connecting with Carmella Alexander and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Carmella, what are you inspired by?
I am mostly inspired by the special needs community. I wrote a children’s story book about my disabled son Amir. He has inspired me to reach and build confidence in myself that I didn’t know that I had. I am inspired by his will to continue to survive eventhough doctors put a time stamp on his life. Being the parent of a disabled child is obviously difficult especially when your child is totally dependent on you for daily care. The shoes are too big to fill especially as a first-time parent with a special baby. What was I supposed to do? How was I going to handle my emotions of what if? I had to realize that despite how I felt my son needed me! So I picked up my badge of honor and wore it proudly! I am my son’s biggest advocate and his voice! I serve as his voice which enabled me to create a book that portrays him as the superhero that he is! Children around the world deserve representation despite limitations everyone can be fearless.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a special needs bus driver by vocation. I started writing poetry at the age of ten years old. As I got older, my passion for writing died down a bit. Then shortly after having my son Amir, life changed. As I mentioned before, Amir has inspired me to be a voice for not only him, but for the special needs community. I had to overcome personal challenges. My dilemma stemmed from having one child who was totally dependent upon me for everything, while simultaneously caring for a child who is not medically ill. Life had become a balancing act. The challenge was to make both my sons feel that they were equally loved and equally special. But it was physically and emotionally taxing. I began to immerse myself into baking and writing which I found to be emotionally therapeutic. I’ve learned that no matter what I may face emotionally I still need to push through and see that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. My hope is that the book, Fearless, will help other children see special needs kids differently. And those with deficits, will find their voice even if it is seemingly silenced by whatever disability that inflicts them. I am my sons biggest advocate and voice. .
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My friends and I are the biggest wine fans and there is a place north Georgia called Chateau Elan Winery & Resort! We have the choice of many different aged wines and cheese that are to die for! People should really check them out!
Alright, so let’s jump right in! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there a person, group, organization, book, etc. that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?
I am mostly inspired by the special needs community. I wrote a children’s story book about my disabled son, Amir. He has inspired me and seeing his tenacity has helped me to develop confidence in myself that I didn’t know that I had. I am inspired by his will to continue to survive even though doctors put a time stamp on his life. Being the parent of a disabled child is obviously difficult especially when your child is totally dependent on you for daily care. My initial fears were that these shoes are too big to fill especially as a first-time parent with a special needs baby. What was I supposed to do? How was I going to handle my emotions of what if? I had to realize that despite how I felt my son needed me! So I picked up my badge of honor and wore it proudly! I am my son’s biggest advocate and his voice! I serve as his voice which enabled me to create a book that portrays him as the superhero that he is! Children around the world deserve representation. Despite limitations, everyone can be fearless.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmella_theauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moveforeamir
Other: The books are 18.99
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
