Finding Joy Through Heartache | Adrian Wood | TEDxCaryWomen

Having what she believed was her "one" tough life event happen as a teenager, Adrian Wood shares how she was surprised to learn that life hands out more than one unexpected difficulty per person. By relating the unrelenting grief experienced from her big brother's death, to the birth and unexpected diagnosis of her special needs son over twenty years later, this deeply personal and moving talk shares the idea that embracing life's unexpected curveballs can also be the best gifts life gives us. Her blog, Tales of An Educated Debutante, has a massive following, and for good reason; her brutally honest approach to sharing "what is", will have listeners of this talk engaged from start to heart-warming finish. Adrian Wood was raised, and currently lives in eastern NC, has her PhD in Educational Research, and stays busy being a wife and full time mom. Adrian is a rural, eastern NC mother of four - one with extra special needs.
Her past experiences include preschool teacher, nanny, children’s ski
instructor, early interventionist, college professor, early childhood researcher, and writer. Now writing again, after a twenty year hiatus, she offers personal glimpses where satire meets truth, faith meets irony, despair meets joy and how this educated debutante escapes the laundry and finds true meaning in graceful transparency. Her youngest son Amos, who is autistic, is a focus in much of her writing as she strives to share the blessing that having a child with special needs has brought to her family.
Her brutally honest approach to the journey they are sharing, that it has been littered with blood, sweat, and tears, is just one reason why she is adored by so many. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@christinehedblom1215]

Your soul shines thru when you tell your story

[@cindykachala]

Wow so Powerful @Adrian Wood.. dated 8/24/24 ❤From Cindy in NJ a Loyal Follower😢

[@ninaturnbull7004]

Oh how I could give that more than one thumbs up!

[@patkibble6920]

Wow, Adrian you’re an excellent speaker. I’m impressed.

[@denisehouman6130]

i follow you on facebook. This was sad and humorous @ the same time. i learned something from you just now. Life is about making memories and not striving for perfection. Imperfect can be good. Great talk..

[@annescott368]

Oh Adrian, I’m a subscriber to your page on Facebook and I didn’t know I could love you more. But I do. This was a beautiful talk. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@debramakool448]

I recently kinda by accident came across Adrian on a blog-wow all I can say is wow! Very talented, funny and I learn something each blog entry I find. She is such an inspiration and a breath of fresh air! Loved this as well as her other works. And sharing the love of Amos is priceless-

[@candeegryllock]

"I thought grief on traveled with things that were fatal....I had know idea it was possible to grieve a diagnosis that didnt end in a funeral." Very profound...

[@filomenasilveira3507]

Great talk, Adrian. Your words really touched me. 💗

[@amyrichardson5733]

That was such a great talk! The ending made me cry!!

[@donnajames4611]

Adriane, that little part at the end, when you knelt down as Amos came bouncing up to you…got me right in the feels. 🥰

[@debbiesnapp7697]

Adrian, I am so happy to be able to see the early years. You are remarkable and we love you and yours dearly. ❤️🥰🫶🤗

[@sandraperry-d7r]

Excellent talk… loved that Amos came out at the end❤

[@lashellbangert2155]

God love your heart, you are a phenomenal person, mommy, wife, friend. God knew what he was doing when he gave you Amos. He is a lucky boy to be surrounded by so much love and it shows . He is so precious 😮

[@marthapettengill8343]

Beautifully delivered; love your message! Thank you.

[@sobagged]

Omg…I just came upon this~you are a warrior! ❤

[@kathysorensen4741]

Dearest Adrian, I go over & over with some of yr Tapes. You are so gifted In yr journalism. I wake up during the nite with pain & go to your videos until my meds start working ! Each time I notice something new! Keep up yr great work. God Bless...❤️🙌✝️💐

[@whyamiyelling]

You are one of my favorite people on the planet and you deserve ALL of your success!! So proud of you mama!! xoxoxo

[@arwaqutbuddin8023]

Heart-breaking, heart-opening, heart-warming....beautiful. Many blessings and heartfelt gratitude for sharing.

[@didapo1]

Beautifully spoken & delivered well. Beautiful Amos. ❤🇨🇦

[@mjsps51]

I’ve been watching your coffee chats on social media for a while and listening to your stories are still so compelling.

[@lindaraines5699]

AWESOME LADY AND MOTHER

[@reneejasmer9843]

Just found your TEDx Talk. I follow you on Facebook and now You Tube. Love your message and humor. Take care ❤

[@lindajohnson2149]

Beautifully communicated! ❤

[@MsBonitaDinero88]

She was amazing! Her storytelling skills are outstanding! I loved everything’s about this one& how she brought him out in the end. I love her love for her late eldest brother❤️‍🩹…just everything about this was just beautiful ❤❤❤

[@cindygarcia1037]

Beautiful talk, Adrian. I’ve been following you on Facebook for several months now…after listening to this TedTalk of yours, I’m ready to become a subscriber! Thank you for the insight! Amos is precious!

[@schelliegris7481]

This gave me goosebumps, it was so moving. One of the best Ted Talks I have seen! Real!

[@emilyann52]

Absolutely fabulous! I love the way you are so honest about the realities of family and life. If I lived near you I would want you for a friend. Amos is a lucky little boy.

[@acarr13]

THAT WAS AMAZING I HAVE TEARS.........I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER WHO IS 29 HER NAME IS ANGEL I'VE BEEN A SINGLE MOM AND I WOULDNT TRADE ANY OF IT........SHE IS MY LIFE........LOVE ADRIANS VIDEOS SHE IS SO REAL I LOVE THAT SHE SHOWS HER MESSY KITCHEN SHE DOESN'T HIDE WHAT A LOT OF US GO THROUGH OURSELVES AND PLEASE DONT JUDGE UNTIL YOUVE WALKED IN THEIR SHOES.

[@kathleenlowry6539]

WOW!!! What a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your real imperfect self and your real imperfect family. Watching Amos grow and change is so exciting and rewarding for me. I find even I am ok with my imperfections. Thank you, Adrian! 💖

[@debbieholzberg3659]

Fantastic! The ending was extra-special! As always, thanks for your candid look at life and for capturing the humor in its challenges.

[@chickfila8673]

Hi mummy good job -Blair

[@blairwood482]

So this was my old channel hm

[@Ally-dz9us]

Adrian, this touched me 😢!❤

[@AR-sk3mq]

I love this in so many ways!! Great job!

[@JoesChic68]

You did it!!! And you did it really well!!! Loved the extra special ending.

[@godfirstloveothers1984]

Beautiful spoken

[@krisgoldman4438]

Excellent

[@melissagallaway3073]

🥲What a beautiful story!

[@tazzbeauty]

I had heard about you before but lost you now found you again through Ann

[@kimnash6653]

Your a great speaker, but I don't know that i agree with you. I have 2 autistic children. One is severely disabled. 9 and not potty trained. So many obstacles. Ive yet to find any humour. Im depressed and broken. So much grief. 😭😭😭💔

[@kathrynmaroney]

I am so sorry. Do you have help? Are you in the US?

[@MissChrissyM1]

if you need someone to talk to, I’m here for you. I’m Christy in Santa Cruz California. Would you like my phone number dear? I’m a wife and mother so I understand 🙋🏻‍♀️❤️‍🩹

[@k.h.307]

My son finally got it at 14...don't lose hope.

[@jodyannefitapatrick]

Hope all is well..come to Tales of An Educated Debutante We are here for you.

[@Kendra0806]

Beautiful ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@julieweidman814]

That was Great!

[@lightsparkyl]

Loved this!! ❤

[@Suite50]

❤

[@thomaswood4828]

Cool

[@blairwood482]

Thomas Wood wow thomas

[@blairwood482]

“Cool dude”

[@patriciatetro6927]

Hello 👋

[@trishr2765]

what a cute little gang

[@sandielauren4536]

❤