With every year that passes since 2016, I think to myself “there goes one more year since we lost Benjamin.” Or “this will be the 4th Anniversary of his death”.. Or something similar. The past three years have passed in the blink of an eye. It seems like just yesterday we were in the PICU hospital room at Lurie Children’s holding our little boy for what would be the last time. Then on the other hand, it seems like an eternity since that night.
As I’ve said before, I can’t bring him back but I can choose to believe this was meant to be our story. And I’m thankful for all the times I got to talk about Benjamin or for those moments I could share him with others. And be thankful for the progress we’ve made and the blessings that we’ve received. In wrapping up another year, I wanted to reflect on the highlights from the past few months, think about setting goals for 2020 and put them out into the universe.
Being a self-published author is no easy task, so celebrating the wins is encouraging (and fun)! In 2019:
I sold almost 1500 books. That is 1500 NEW families and children that have seen my son and been touched by his story.
Planned and managed a successful Kickstarter campaign, with preorders of 185 books.
Launched the 2nd Ben’s Adventures: Under the Big Top! in September 2019, which held strong for a few weeks as a #1 New Release in a several categories.
Won several awards including Children’s Fiction Gold Medal and top awards from Independent Press Awards, Book Excellence Awards and Readers’ Favorite.
Rob returned home from the Middle East after a 10month deployment – Ben’s book had several ‘adventures’ in the desert but returned home safely SURPRISING us all. And we had our ‘very own’ homecoming video that made the news.
Was recognized by the Mayor of St Charles and received a Mayor’s Key for my contribution to literature and for representing and supporting special needs community – November 2019
Sent adapted toys and devices to 23 children from Ben’s Toy Closet (Ben Smiles Memorial Foundation).
Was featured in several news articles for Ben’s Adventures and Ben Smiles initiatives.
Donated books to several libraries.
Was featured in Read-alouds with Ms Becky’s Storytime and Tucked in Tuesdays
Held the 2nd annual Ben’s Bowl-A-thon raising close to $4000 for Ben Smiles mission.
Participated in two trunk-or-treat events where we had a Big Top theme and I was a happy clown!
Visited several schools and classrooms sharing Ben’s Adventures with students, talking about friendship and inclusion, and how ALL kids can play, dream and be friends.
Participated in more holiday vendor markets this holiday season, and several people shared how they have heard of the book, or that they have the book, or that they saw one of the stories that made the news.
Donated books to libraries, schools, Easter Seals and the Little Free Library.
Easter seals donation of 20 Ben’s Adventures books to be used in their preschool program and the lending library.
Attended National Playdate in Kansas City (my spina bifida) -November 2019
Family travel to Smoky Mountains, Nashville, Charleston, Miami and Atlanta.
There are SOO many things that I feel I didn’t accomplish in 2019, but as I think about this list above and go through our photos, it seems like it was a very busy and very successful year. Going into 2020, my plan is to sell TWICE AS MANY books (there it is… it’s out there in the universe!), get started on a 3rd book, and continue to spread Ben’s story and his message to those that want to receive it.
I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all of the support and kind words. And I wish you and your family the happiest and healthiest New Year.
Elizabeth Gerlach
For signed and personalized copies: www.bens-adventures.com/sale-2
