Vickie Rubin
WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING TOUR
of
Raising Jess: A Story of Hope
Tour
Book Summary
Raising Jess: A Story of Hope is the powerful story of one family’s survival when faced with adversity. Written with compassion, honesty, and humor, it tells of a family changed forever by the birth of a child with a rare chromosome deletion and their courageous decision to choose hope. Facing the challenges of caring for her daughter, marriage struggles, and the question of having more children, Vickie Rubin gives a glimpse in the world of her family and transformation while raising Jess. This beautiful, gripping memoir will delight and leave you wanting more.
Publisher: Page Publishing
Print length: 250 pages
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Guest Post: Mh.D.: Getting My Self-Awarded Doctorate in Motherhood
My training started in 1982 with our first child, Jessica. Jess was born with a rare chromosome deletion and needed assistance with all daily life skills. In 1984, I added our son Alex to my training, and finally, in 1984, I received my self-awarded Mh.D. (Doctorate of Mothering) when our daughter Carly was born.
Raising three children is the most essential job I know of and starts the day you give birth. Of course, there are books, well-meaning advice, nosy neighbors, and intrusive family members; however, none of it matters when you are alone for the first time with a squirming alien who needs EVERYTHING!
Jessica was diagnosed with a severe developmental disability and complex medical issues, which included a seizure condition. Physicians train for a decade (perhaps more) to provide the expertise to care for children like my daughter. Yet, here I was trying to figure out how to help Jess become the best she can be, keep herself safe, and, for lack of a less harsh word, alive. The challenges of raising a child with a rare chromosome deletion are immense, from navigating the healthcare system to managing daily life skills. It’s a journey that requires constant learning, modification, and adaptation.
After numerous years, I met new doctors who asked if I was in the medical field. “Are you a doctor?” I would gush and say, “No, I have my Mh.D.” That’s how much I knew about Jessica. But don’t ask me about other medical conditions—the truth quickly came out. I haven’t a clue. Ask me about seizures, medications, bilateral hip dislocations, gallbladder, and other Jessica medical needs. Query me about Jessica’s chromosome deletion 1Q43-44, where a portion of banding 43-44 is missing from the long arm of the first chromosome; the subtelomeric region of the long arm of chromosome one is deleted. Doesn’t that sound doctor-y? Just don’t ask for advice about other non-Jessica medical conditions.
My Mh.D. training is limited to our children. Jessica pushed me from my Master’s in Mothering to my self-awarded doctorate in the subject of Jess. This subset is the most important education I will ever receive. I feel blessed and thankful for all my children and the invaluable lessons they have taught me about being a mother.
This essay is a companion to my memoir “Raising Jess: A Story of Hope,” an award-winning story about family, hope, and resilience.
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About the Author
Vickie Rubin, M.S Ed. is a three-time award-winning author of the inspiring memoir Raising Jess: A Story of Hope. The memoir encompasses overcoming marriage struggles, having more children, and the sibling experience. Vickie’s debut memoir won the 2022 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Award for Non-Fiction and was a Finalist in the Best Book Award and Books Excellence Award for inspirational memoir.
She is an experienced public speaker and passionate advocate for families of children with disabilities. Vickie’s essays are published in Newsweek and featured in the Buffalo News and guest blogs worldwide. She is a frequent Podcast guest sharing information about raising a child with a disability, inspiring hope, family dynamics, education, and advocacy. Her blog, Vickie’s Views, gives a heartwarming and humorous view of everyday life, including raising a child with a disability, observing daily life, family, marriage, and RV travel.
Before writing her book, Vickie was the director of the Early Childhood Direction Center (ECDC) for Oishei Children’s Hospital, Kaleida Health, a New York State Education Department grant-funded program. Vickie and her husband Mitch celebrated their 44rd wedding anniversary in 2023. They have three children, three grandchildren, and two very active dogs.
You can follow the author at:
Website: https://vickierubin.com/
Vickie’s Views: https://vickierubin.com/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaisingJessStory/
Instagram: @vickierubin.author
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickie-rubin-aa1a09177/
Twitter/X: @vickierubin
Blog Tour Calendar
July 1st @ The Muffin
Join WOW as we celebrate the launch of Vickie Rubin’s blog tour of Raising Jess. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
July 2nd @ Just Katherine
Katherine is bursting with questions for Vickie Rubin, author of Raising Jess. Stop by for and interview and review.
https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/
July 5th @ A Storybook World
Stop by for a spotlight of Vickie Rubin’s memoir Raising Jess: A Story of Hope.
https://www.astorybookworld.com/
July 6th @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion
Learn more about Vickie Rubin, author of the memoir Raising Jess in today’s interview.
https://bootsshoesandfashion.com
July 10th @ Jill Sheet’s Blog
Meet the author of Raising Jess: A Story of Hope during today’s interview with Vickie Rubin.
https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/
July 11th @ StoreyBook Reviews
Vickie Rubin is visiting with a guest post about the importance of a Friend Network.
https://www.storeybookreviews.com
July 12th @ What Is That Book About
Looking for a great book for the weekend? Check out the spotlight on Raising Jess: A Story of Hope.
www.whatisthatbookabout.com
July 14th @ A Wonderful World of Books
In today’s guest post What’s Happening With My Baby?, Vickie Rubin shares what it’s like to learn your child has a severe disability.
https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/
July 17th @ Create Write Now
Author Vickie Rubin writes about how her Failed Retirement led to her memoir Raising Jess.
https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog
July 19th @ Word Magic
Fiona welcomes Vickie Rubin with a guest post This Will Make You Stronger.
https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/
July 22nd @ Words by Webb
Author Vickie Rubin shares a guest post about rocking babies in the NICU.
https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog
July 25th @ Choices
Vickie Rubin shares her writing journey with the guest post: From “Gee, I should write a book” to “I’m writing a book!”
http://madelinesharples.com
July 26th @ The Faerie Review
Looking for a new memoir? Today’s spotlight is on Vickie Rubin’s Raising Jess.
https://www.thefaeriereview.com
July 30th @ Chapter Break
Have fun with Vickie Rubin’s guest post: Mh.D.: Getting My Self-Awarded Doctorate in Motherhood.
Chapterbreak.net
August 3rd @ Teatime and Books
Stop by for a spotlight on Vickie Rubin’s memoir Raising Jess.
http://www.teatimeandbooks76.blogspot.com
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