Please share your reading experiences, ask a question, or leave a comment.

[Dennis]

:)

[Mike]

I am so excited to see this forum grow... it is only a matter of time until the people get through this book that the questions and emotions will come pouring! I am so honored to be your brother and to have had a sneak peek during this process of you working so diligently not only through the experiences in this book but to create it.

[Dennis]

Mike wrote: "I am so excited to see this forum grow... it is only a matter of time until the people get through this book that the questions and emotions will come pouring! I am so honored to be your brother an..."

Thank you, Michael! You have always and continue to be one of my biggest supporters. :)

[Lori]

Your book serves as the jumping point for so many important subjects. It's great to have a forum to discuss the many issues you highlight.

Something I keep thinking about is the suicide intervention you write about with the young boy. I don't think we hear much about kids wanting to kill themselves outside of the context of cyber bullying, so the story struck me. I was impressed by how quickly you could build a rapport with the boy. In emergencies like that, that skill is a gift.

[Dennis]

Thank you,Lori. Suicide intervention has played a significant role in my life both personally and professionally. I've learned that depression really is a disease and people with it really need someone to listen and care. Suicide calls had a big impact on me as cop and helped prepare me for working with high needs children. As I wrote in my book, that call with the young boy helped push me into teaching. Thank you for noticing the significance of that encounter.

[Dennis]

Had a great opportunity to connect with David from the military portion of my book last night. It was such an honor to hear his feedback as we discussed our memories from Bosnia. We shared many laughs in the nostalgia as we remembered our service together.

[Lori]

Wow! That's awesome you guys got to catch up. I imagine this book will reconnect you with a few different people. Is there anyone in particular you miss who you'd like to get back in touch with?

[Dennis]

It really was awesome. It has re-connected me with some of the soldier's I served with, which is incredible. I've been in contact with Davis, my partner teacher, since the release of my book, and the memories came flooding back. I'm honored that he is reading it, and found comfort in the memories we shared. I spent so much time in my head trying to tell the story just right that I almost forgot how comforting it is to reminisce with someone who shares an experience.

I often wonder about my students, especially Westley. I hope our paths cross again some day. I also wonder about the little boy you mentioned previously (who was suicidal). I hope he continued on a better path. I wish there was a way I could tell them both what an impact they had on my life and thank them for believing in me.

[Dennis]

To follow up even further to my previous post, and Lori's initial question about reconnecting with old friends because of my book, I've had the opportunity to reconnect with two soldiers who I have always admired and respected throughout my career. I remember thinking of them as I wrote the book, and hoping they would enjoy my thoughts and perspectives on my various military experiences. When they told me they could not put the book down, or that I captured an experience perfectly, I was overjoyed. I feel as if I have gotten the stamp of approval from my friends who have reviewed this book, some of who were a part of my journey, and some who have had their own journey's. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunities I have been afforded, and feel so privileged to share my thoughts each time someone reads my story or shares a comment. To everyone who continues to support this project, thank you.

[Ethan]

This book made me look at cops, differently how explain how he handle some situation. Special Ed. One of his student, I don't want to be in this retard. Special Ed, is not for retard or MR. Lets change MR Intellectual disability. I will give you some example why are some people are in Special Ed, learning Disabilities, ES is shorten for emotional support. Dyslexia. In his book he explain it, more then I do. I was in special Ed, it help me work at my own pace. I will use myself as a example. In middle school, they put me in a regular Ed class, I fell behind , they were moving to fast. They pulled me out later on they put me in special Ed, class and I could work at my own pace.