Families experiencing the joys and horrors visited upon them by their first teenager may be looking for a modern-day miracle.
How about advice from a modern-day Mom who has been enlightened living on a dead-end street.
Just ask Oprah Winfrey. She asked this Northshore Mom to appear on her show.
In her humble and unassuming way, Judy Ford has quietly gone about becoming a best-selling author of several parenting books. On the outside, Ford has a private practice as a full-time family counselor. She also works with the parent/educational staff and development office at the Northshore school district.
But on the inside Ford is a prolific writer whose books:
“Wonderful Ways to Love a Child.”
“Wonderful Ways to Love a Teen.”
“Wonderful Ways to Love a Grandchild.” and “Blessed Expectations.”
Have sold more than 600,000 copies.
That could change soon. Ford has just finished a new book scheduled for release in May. This time she has a co-author, her teen-age daughter, Amanda.
Ford’s publisher Conari press (famous for Random Acts of Kindness) think they have another run-away best seller.
Amanda and her mother both agree that this has been a joyful experience. But how did Amanda become involved?
Judy Ford settles down in her chair and does not even ponder the question. “Troubled relationships can change with this book,” Ford said. Amanda, with her blonde hair and easy smile explained “I was a cheerleader in high school and was very upset about the traditional cheerleading hazing, so I wrote an article to the school newspaper.”
“I could not believe it,” Judy Ford says, hand on forehead. “I was so impressed I sent a copy of Amanda letter to my publisher. ”She leans forward conspiratorially. “My editor was so impressed she suggested we write together as mother and daughter.”
“Of course,” Ford said, “I did not realize how much I would learn about Amanda. How much I did not know.”
Ford was surprised how both remembered the same stories in totally different perspectives. “I was proud of myself for having no concern that Amanda would come through…and that she would hit our deadline.”
Judy and Amanda’s new book is in perspective of a teen-age daughter and mother on the same subject.
For example, one scenario deals with Amanda wanting to get her belly button pierced when she was 14. Amanda explains her side and Ford explains her feelings and advice.
Last May, Amanda came home from college for the summer and every day she and her mother would brainstorm.
They worked on an outline, then the style of the outline and layout. They worked on chapters. Amanda would sleep in and write at night and Mom would write in the mornings.
Ford’s career as an author started from a handout, she gave clients she counseled as a certified social worker. People so enjoyed the handout she was encouraged to make it into a poster. The poster was very successful. She then was encouraged to make it into a book.
Her “Wonderful Way” books inspired people to remember the little moments. The heart-to-heart connections with your children and spouse that add up to a rich family life.
And word of that got OPRAH WINFREY’S attention!
An opportunity to appear on Oprah would trigger most people into a knee-knocking, tongue-twisting bout of fear. And Ford agrees the experience was “totally overwhelming.”
Whisked away from the airport in a Harpo production limousine! Ford was then picked up again in the morning from the hotel. She arrived at the studio to get her hair and make-up done.
As she waited in the green room Ford got her first glimpse of Oprah, who walked by and yelled, “Hi.”
She then met her on stage, where Ford describes Oprah as tall and exactly like she is on air-natural-someone you would like to be friends with.
Ford is also working on a cookbook tentatively title, “Glorious Food and Gossip.” She has an extensive collection of cookbooks and is also a world traveler. Some of her favorite places are Morocco, Thailand and Bali.
“My life is a parable,” Ford weighing her words carefully. “I have spent 25 years counseling people who come to my home/office, and I have learned the art of love and laughter all by living on a dead-end street.”