Changing Lives Through ASL!

I was recently asked to speak at BlissDom Canada, a conference for women bloggers, on viral marketing. I was honored to be on an amazing panel with Eric Alper, Jeff Pulver and Alison Kramer.

I was wondering what I was going to tell the audience about viral marketing. I was lucky that my video went viral and my channel became so popular but I didn’t have a magical recipe to share on how I made that happen. Then it hit me… why did I make my videos in the first place? I made them to share a passion of mine with other parents. I didn’t care how many views my videos had, I cared about getting my message out there. What was important to me was touching lives. If I could touch just one life by sharing my videos and my passion then that was better than going viral. Making a difference is what is important to me. During the panel I shared a lovely story about a woman who sent me the most amazing email. I keep this email close to my heart. If nothing else happens in my business that would be okay with me because I made a difference in this family’s life. I want to share that email here today: “Hi Laura and Fireese! I wanted to let you know how much you’ve helped me with my son, Asher. Asher is almost 4 years old now. He is a high-functioning autistic child. Asher was also born tongue-tied, and has a hard time forming our everyday sounds. At age 2 1/2, he had not slept for six months more than 2-3 hours at a time. Neither was I, of course! You can imagine how that sleep deprivation, coupled with a child who couldn’t speak intelligibly anyway, had my husband and I at our wit’s end. One day in September 2007, I was browsing the Internet, when I came across the video of Fireese at 12 months old, doing all these signs! I called Asher over and together we watched the video several times. He LOVED it! Within 45 minutes, my son was able to start communicating with me like never before! I could understand him when he needed a drink, or a diaper change, or his favorite toy (a pink monkey!), or to be left alone. I realize that you may not realize this, or believe you’re just using your own talents, but you and your beautiful daughter are angels to me! Asher ended up getting a speech therapist who provided us tons of flash cards with signs on them to learn. He will be 4 years old in June, and I’m now looking to find ASL classes to keep up with him! I don’t know where we’d be today if we hadn’t found your video online – I really don’t. Thank you so much for taking the time to put it up and share it. I will always appreciate it! Wendi Proud Mom of Six” When I received this email I cried. To think that I was able to make sure a huge difference in someone’s life was absolutely amazing. I made a difference and that’s what matters in life! While I was telling this story to the BlissDom Canada audience I became a little teary, other’s in the audience were also touched. Then a woman stood up, took the microphone and shared her story. She told us about her son and how I also made a difference in her family’s life. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the audience. Again, I had no idea! And here this woman was, brave enough to stand up in a room full of strangers and share her story. It was lovely, it was heartfelt! Here is her story as well: “I had the pleasure of meeting Laura at Blissdom Canada this year.  I was there listening to her speak on a panel and as she spoke I felt the need to stand up and tell the story of my son Liam. This subject is an extremely emotional one for me, and probably always will be.

I think that Laura’s My Smart Hands program is such a wonderful thing for parents. Listening to her speak about a little boy who was non verbal being able to learn to sign and communicate with his mother just tore me up. I know the heartbreak that mother felt not being able to know her sons wants or needs verbally. Thank you Laura for your videos  and your hug after I was done shaking! Jennifer Hunt http://www.mybigbluworld.blogspot.com” I was so happy to be able to share my story with others. I think sometimes people see what I do and think how great it is that I teach baby signing classes. But I don’t think people fully realize how I am able to touch lives and make a difference. My heart overflowed during the BlissDom panel. There was such love in the room and tenderness from my co-panelists. I don’t think any of us expected the panel to go the way it did but we are all  richer for it. We all laughed, cried and bonded. It was a beautiful hour spend in a room full of open and lovely people!

I believe everyone has this ability. We can make a change and do good things in life. We have that power. If you go about your life to do good and make a difference then you will! If you don’t know what Jeff does then visit his website http://140conf.com If you haven’t seen Alison Kramer’s video then it is a must watch! http://www.reflectionsofmotherhood.com Much love! Laura (proud mom to Fireese and Hartford… and sharer of videos)