Saturday, May 24, 2025

Reflecting on Time Without Meghann


 


Reflecting on Time Without Meghann 

 May 24, 2018




As the anniversary of Meghann's passing from this earth approached, I felt an undeniable need to reflect on my journey without her. Sometimes, time is truly the only thing that allows us to find our way back to living after losing a loved one. It's the space needed to transform memories from poignant sadness into cherished happiness. It's the quiet strength found to turn tears into a gentle smile when thoughts of them arise.

For me, that path led to writing children's books with special needs themes. I began with Cuz I Can, followed by The Girl with Gills, Let's Play Ball, and most recently, The Magic Closet. I'm even working on a couple of new books specifically for preschool-aged children.

amazon.com/author/jillmaglioryan


Finding Healing in Unexpected Places

Why preschool? Because I discovered a group of little ones who have profoundly helped me on my healing journey after losing Meghann. Of course, losing a child is something you never "get over"—ask any parent who has endured such a loss.

Over the past couple of years, I earned my bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and decided to get a short-term teaching license to substitute in schools. I started subbing across various ages and schools, but something truly unexpected happened when I decided to substitute at the preschool. I simply fell in love with Lyle Preschool in Kewanee. The staff immediately welcomed me into their school, and every single kiddo there is truly amazing.


As the school year winds down, I've been reflecting a lot on my time subbing. I've learned so much about myself since starting at Lyle School. It's the first time I've worked collaboratively with a group since I closed my salon and stopped working alone as a hairstylist. Whether I'm in a general education, blended, or special education classroom, the little ones never cease to amaze me with their pure innocence and the genuine love they have for their school and teachers. And there's definitely a mutual love returned by every teacher and therapist in the school.

The way the teachers and therapists start each day by lining up to greet the children with a cheerful "good morning" is the sweetest display of welcome. I've been incredibly lucky to be a part of that each time I sub.

Subbing at Lyle School has been incredibly therapeutic for me. I've learned to appreciate little boys in a way I never expected. Having always been surrounded by girls and raising my own daughter, I was surprised to find my heart stolen by the boys in the Ladybug class (each class has its own animal name at Lyle ). They're a bundle of energy, always keeping me on my toes. While I'll certainly enjoy the freedom of summer, I'm already looking forward to subbing with them again in the fall.


Thank you, Lyle School, for being such a profound part of my healing journey and for bringing a genuine smile back to my face. The dedication and positive spirit of your entire staff make subbing for any class a truly positive experience.



A special shout-out to my Ladybug teacher, Amber. I've not only watched her blossom into a caring, dedicated educator, but also a wonderful friend.






























My favorite Ladybug

Sunday, March 16, 2025

Turning Pain into a Passion



                          The Magic Closet 

My fourth children's book now available.

"Bringing 'The Magic Closet' to life has been a deeply rewarding, albeit lengthy, process. I'm incredibly fortunate to have collaborated with Becky Padilla, a truly gifted illustrator, who poured her heart into this project. This was her first foray into book illustration, and she dedicated four years to it, all while juggling the demands of school, work, family, and life. Her commitment is truly remarkable.

Countless hours were spent on Zoom, meticulously crafting our shared vision. We explored a myriad of possibilities, refining sizes, colors, and patterns until we achieved the perfect aesthetic. 'The Magic Closet' underwent more rounds of formatting and editing than any of my previous books. My dear friend and fellow author, Marie Smysor Watson, generously lent her exceptional editing skills, ensuring the manuscript was polished and ready for publication. I'm profoundly grateful for her expertise, as well as the invaluable contributions of the book formatter. It's truly a collaborative effort, and without these talented individuals, my books wouldn't reach readers.

'The Magic Closet,' with its engaging 4,000-word narrative, vibrant illustrations, and family-friendly appeal, is a joy to read. (in my opinion) I'm immensely proud of the final product and confident that readers will be captivated by its charm.

When I expressed my gratitude to Becky, she simply replied, 'It was a labor of love.' And indeed, it was. I'm certain readers will be as mesmerized by the stunning illustrations as I am.




The Magic Closet is available on amazon.


                              amazon.com/author/jillmaglioryan


Back cover description below.  
                                                                                                        
The Magic Closet is the fourth book that takes Meggeriffic on an adventure into a new world through her grandma’s closet door. Will the secrets within the walls of her grandma’s closet become more than Meghann is prepared for when she goes snooping? Will Meghann’s curiosity get her into trouble this time? Follow along as Meghann wheels into another world where she meets some new friends who need her help. Will they find out in time how to work together or will this new adventure prove to be too challenging to overcome? 
                                                                       

                                               One of the many illustrations in The Magic Closet



LIBRARY DONATIONS


To celebrate the book's release, I donated copies of 'The Magic Closet' to the Sheffield Library in my hometown and the Buda Library. Returning to the Sheffield children's library, the very place I frequented as a child, was a profoundly nostalgic experience.

                    

The Sheffield Library


  The Sheffield Library is beautiful 


I love seeing my books on the shelf. Meghann would be thrilled !!!

Isn't the Sheffield Children's Library the cutest ??








The Buda Library has consistently championed my advocacy for the special needs community, and I'm deeply appreciative of their support.


                                                                      Buda Library

Supporting our local libraries is essential. They serve as vital community hubs, offering a wealth of resources and engaging programs. Small communities like Sheffield and Buda are fortunate to have such well-stocked libraries and dedicated librarians who nurture a love of reading."

Check out The Magic Closet now available on Amazon along with my other children's books. Don't forget to follow my social media to see where I will be promoting my books with other local authors. My next author fair is in Bishop Hill on April 12th. Stop by and see me. You might get a free gift!!

  amazon.com/author/jillmaglioryan


meggeriffic1987     


meggeriffic



My next author fair will be April 12, 2025 in Bishop Hill
Marie Smysor Watson will be at the Bishop Hill author fair with me. Her books are listed below,

1. Consider the Mountains: A Father/Daughter Hike on the Appalachian Trail
2. Our own Precious Places
3. The Things I Used to do
4. everything 
anything 
something
nothing

All of Marie's books are available on Amazon if you can't make it to Bishop Hill.



amazon.com/author/jillmaglioryan



Monday, November 4, 2024

Success or Not

 

                           Success or Not  

   


Losing a child is an unimaginable heartache that shatters families and leaves a void that feels impossible to fill. When my daughter, Meghann passed away, the world appeared dim, and the journey through grief was endless. It came in waves and sometimes those waves hit when I least expected it.

 

Grief is a complex emotional response that manifests differently for everyone. And nobody should tell you how you should grieve.  It’s essential to understand that feeling a wide range of emotions—sadness, anger, confusion, guilt—is completely normal. Although my brain knew all this to be true, taking the first step toward healing has continued to be baby steps for me. 

When I decided to write a children’s book based on Meghann, I found myself experiencing all those complex emotions bubbling up. 


 

Then something unforeseen happened. When I sat down at my computer and started writing it transformed my sorrow into an unexpected positive and sometimes therapeutic session. Each time I began to dig into my memories for material I would see the words typed through tear-soaked eyes. But this time the tears were not sad ones filling my eyes. They were tears of happy memories. The despair I had been feeling for so long was replaced with trying to honor Meghann’s memory through my books.


 

Part of my idea to get my books out to the public was to participate in Author Fairs at local libraries.  

Saturday, I spent the day in Sterling Il at an Author’s Book Fair. As I finished up for the day, I reflected on the how the day played out. Did I sell a bunch of books? Is selling books how I was going to measure my success for the day?  

 I met some talented authors and a staff that did an amazing job that day. 

Most importantly as I shared my story, people started to share their own stories. I heard from teachers, parents and children of teachers, people who knew individuals with different abilities, and people who loved to read. Of course, there were a few children who just wanted stickers and free candy. As I passed out stickers to one of those children, he asked me a few questions about Meghann and what my books were about.  That little boy was one of the highlights of my day. 

 

                                         Do you think my day was successful?   




                                                                       

Meggeriffic  Meggeriffic1987    


                      jillianm1963@hotmail.com                    amazon.com/author/jillmaglioryan

                                   https://parentingcelebratingsmallsteps.blogspot.com/


                                   



                                                                                   

               








Tuesday, September 12, 2023


                                            Our last puzzle together                      











It's been a while since I have written in my blog. Although I enjoy writing in my blog there are times when it is exhausting to think about. I am also questioning my intentions and purpose of this blog.  When I first began writing parentingcelebrtingthesmallsteps I was drawing on my experience as a mother to my daughter, Meghann. When Meghann passed, a part of me died with her. I know it changed me. This loss has left me with an erasable mark, reshaping my perspectives, priorities, and emotions. I have continued over the past 5 years to navigate through my grieving process. I have learned that everyone travels through their own unique path at their own pace, with no definitive timeline for healing. 

 

I have struggled to live my life without Meghann. I manage to put a smile on my face and act as if everything is okay.  When you lose someone, especially a child you begin to question things in life. Losing a child has challenged my belief, values, and purpose in life. I have tried to reevaluate my priorities and work on my own personal growth as I heal and learn to live without my only child. 





During this grieving time, I am proud to say that I have been seeing a therapist to work through the heartbreaking loss of losing Meghann along with other issues. While I realize the pain will never disappear entirely, I have tried to learn to integrate the grief into my life. I am trying to find those moments of joy within the sorrow. One of those joys is listening to my sister's children talk about the fun times with Meghann. Another one is laughing with my sister’s funny stories about our times with our kids. 



Part of my personal growth-


 I will graduate with my bachelor’s degree in general studies with a minor in Sociology in December. Graduating with honors after suffering through losing Meghann and other personal physical health challenges is a goal, I am very proud of achieving. I will continue to write children's books about Meghann (Meggeriffic) to advocate and raise awareness for the special need’s population. 


Keeping my mind occupied has worked for me to navigate my grief over the last few years. It was obviously the right thing for me because I have written 4 children's books, and I was honored to have my short story chosen to be my published in the Elements magazine at Western Illinois University. 

Whether or not someone agrees with my way of grieving is not relevant to me. Until you experience the loss of a child don’t pretend you know how it feels or tell someone else how they should grieve. 


I hope the Meggeriffic books will provide a learning tool for parents and caregivers to open up a dialogue about treating all people kind. 

If you know of any classroom that would like me to visit their room and read one of my books I would be happy to do it for them. I will be working on setting up some times to visit libraries soon. All of my books are available on Amazon. Meggeriffic will get you to the books for sale or use the link below. 


amazon.com/author/jillmaglioryan 

Check out Meggeriffic Facebook page and follow to keep up to date on upcoming events.


Thank you for making my passion come to life by purchasing books and all the donations everyone has made to libraries, classrooms, and nonprofits.


Jill Maglio Ryan

815-866-3776
jillianm1963@hotmail.com