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“Music is the great communicator.” ~ Randy Grossman, V.P. of Harmonizing With Humanity.
Music has always been a central part of my life: It was a way to reach my mother during time when she seemed "unreachable"; it was a positive way for me to work through my troubled youth; and it's been the main way to connect with my daughter, Jaimie, whenever her anxiety stemming from the world around her tries taking her over. Music has saved my life in so many ways...it's probably why when I interviewed Randy Grossman in early March (2009), we hit it off so well. In addition to our love and appreciate for music, we share something else in common: we are both loving parents to children with special needs. Randy has two boys with autism and has used his gift of music as a way to both connect with them as well as to educate the world about autism. His story is a heart-warming and inspiring one and, as the weeks go by, I plan to share bits and bites of it with you.
If you haven't heard of his foundation, "Harmonizing With Humanity," I highly suggest you visit the website as soon as you can. For me, my interest in this wonderful organization began when I heard the first song on YouTube from the highly anticipated album, "The Life That's Chosen Me." The song was written by Grammy-nominated singer, Karen Taylor-Good (pictured above), with Lisa Aschmann, and performed by Karen for the first time in Orlando December 9th, 2008 for a roomful of parents of exceptional children. Let me tell you, you don’t have to be the parent of a special needs child to be touched by this song. But those of us who are such parents will feel it’s meaning deep in our souls.
I started tearing up the moment the song flowed out from my computer speakers and the second Karen’s gorgeous earthy voice came, on I grabbed for that Kleenex. The song says what all special needs families wish we could say to others: “I know my family isn’t perfect but it’s okay. I’m doing the best I can because this is the life that God gave me.” Then the song goes on describing what others can do to help.
The awesome group of musicians contributing to the Harmonizing With Humanity are what Randy calls, “Indie Positive Artists”: Musicians who uplift spirits with their God-given talents. They are some of the most talented artists today and their music provides listeners with entertainment and a positive message. The most amazing thing is not only is Randy celebrating these wonderful, talented musicians, he's providing a base of funding for people and organizations who truly need it: caregivers who need private funding and can't get it any other way.
God truly brings certain people together for a specific purpose. Music truly is the great communicator because it makes us stop, listen and pay attention no matter what language we speak, the culture we’re from or if we can even communicate verbally at all. God Bless Randy and the awesome people working with him. Visit his site, download the songs, put the banner on your website or blog and preorder the album. We all need more of this beautiful positive music in our lives and, most importantly, you'll be helping Randy and his crew make a true difference in the lives of families with special needs.
Randy is inspirational because he uses his talents to inspire, uplift, encourage and spread love. And so many of us need more of these things in our lives. Stay tuned as I'll update this page as I get updates.
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