Jennie Chapman Linthorst was raised in Knoxville, Tennessee and currently lives in Manhattan Beach, California with her husband Erik, and her son Graham. Jennie has a BA in Psychology from Skidmore College, and completed her certification as a Certified Applied Poetry Facilitator from the National Association of Poetry Therapy in 2003. She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. Jennie has facilitated expressive poetry therapy workshops at UC Irvine Extension, the University of Santa Monica, and in retirement homes and women’s centers.  In addition to her workshops, Jennie works privately with individuals exploring their personal histories through reading and writing poetry.

Jennie wrote about her own journey as a mother of a child with special needs in her book of poems, A Mother’s Journey. Please contact her directly to order a copy of A Mother’s Journey at Jchap17@gmail.com.

The compelling story of her son’s diagnosis of Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder, and their success with early intervention therapies is captured in a documentary film called, Autistic-Like: Graham’s Story.  More information is available at www.autisticlike.com.

My Disappearance — by Jennie Linthorst
 
The conversations in my mind
have grown too big, too intense
for the grocery aisle,
or the sandbox in the park.
 
I am mapping out miracles,
creative interactions,
scheduling brain scans, special meals
and blood work;
opening my door to therapists at seven am,
and pushing my true thoughts
deeply away.
 
My silence is trying to grasp
how to find time for a marriage
that has been placed in the wings
while my son’s life
is choreographed on center stage.
 
My silence holds possible dreams
of a normal life;
with family vacations, car trips,
and time not scheduled.