I hope the golden blanket of autumn is bringing good times and happiness to you. Well, at least, it's fall over here in the US. September has just flown by. I just love September for many different reasons; it has been my favorite month for many years. And autumn is my favorite season, so I'm all happy and everything. LOL I hope no one here has been affected by the devastating Hurricane Katrina, though we all have been affected by it one way or another. My heart goes out to all the victims.

At times like this, I question "Why?" But I know He always works under mysterious plans, and I am very thankful for all the goodness He brings.

Well, I have some updates for you all. I just got back from a business trip I had in New York City. I was there to empower, inspire, and motivate others through my inspirational life story as a miracle survivor, and I was also there to advocate my important causes. Some of you know that I'm advocating parental rights in children's medical care, and students with special needs. I was overwhelmed by the great number of positive responses I've received for all of my causes. It really thrills me to see that many people think along the same lines. And I'm not talking about just "ordinary" people here; I received the support from top media outlets. I fervently wish I could positively change the world someday, and hopefully, that someday will not be too far from now.

For those of you who have no idea what causes I'm talking about, I outlined them in basic terms below, and feel free to e-mail me to better understand them since I'm not going to explain them here in great length.

1. Parents risks losing custody of their children forever if they disagree with doctors' recommended treatments. My mother had been the victim of this twice, but fortunately, she won me back both times. Parents should have the right to say no or seek a second opinion. The average parent loves their child and will do everything in their power to keep their child happy and well. They should have the right to oppose any treatments they find harmful or not designed for the child. God gives us humans free will, and He doesn't prevent everything bad from happening, but He loves us. He gave children to parents, so children belong to parents—no one else. Parents know their children the best. True, parents don't always know the best, neither do doctors, but when you consider that—children have the right to die in their parents' arms rather than in the hands of doctors. Just because one in a million parents (let's just say) abuse their child, doesn't mean that the other 999,999 parents should have children taken away from them. I'm a pacifist; I don't believe in wars. Just because you're after one bad guy, doesn't mean that thousands of innocent lives should suffer as you try to catch the bad guy. I am opposing the U.S. laws. I am defending all those parents and children who have been wronged, including the Werneckes who are battling for their child in Texas this minute.

2. I survived abusive behavior and mistreatment from one-to-one aides when I attended public schools. My voice was ignored when I complained, and I kept on getting hurt. I know I cannot prevent each and every abuse case from repeating, but hopefully, if I speak out, it would save some students with special needs. Abuse happens everywhere...it's sad.

3. Lastly, people there were very interested in my personal life story. As you all know, my signature says, "Although I'm blind, I can see far and wide; even though I'm disabled, I can climb high mountains." That's the kind of spirit and attitude that has allowed me to accomplish my life's passions, including writing and publishing three books after I lost my eyesight, doing math and chemistry in my head without Braille or vision, and finishing the entire elementary school with only 180 days of attendance. I hope to reach many lives. Life is how you respond to it.

I met many wonderful people during the trip. People told me that I am very articulate; one even said I could make a lot of money just by speaking. LOL One lady even cried after we spoke. All in all, it had been just excellent! Night life in the city is so busy. Too bad I couldn't see it all, but that day will come...

Anyway, today, I have a special offer to my subscribers only (and anyone else not on my list but is receiving this issue)—I'm extending a $3 discount if you order my book, Dance with Your Heart: Tales and Poems That the Heart Tells. I'm promoting positivity, so this is a great way to get some of my messages out. This will end on October 10, so please e-mail me as soon as possible to receive the discount. The book originally costs $14.95, but you'll get it for $11.95 if you order it this week (not including S+H).

Also, I'm changing the title of this newsletter to "Inspiration from a Blind".

Lastly, before I end this issue, I'd like to inform you that I have another radio interview up on my site and it's available to be listened anytime. It's my interview on Global Talk Radio for August 8th's episode. Go to http://www.shirleycheng.com and click on the second link under "News Flash". I will keep you updated as my promotion for both my books and causes progresses.

Thank you! May you always have rainbows upon your shoulders.

Shirley Cheng
Inspiring young author of 3 books & a miracle survivor