Raylin’s Flower Garden — The inspiring story of a special needs child and her family’s incredible resilience

 In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill is joined by author Magon Peuker, who shares her incredible journey of escaping an abusive marriage, navigating life as a special needs parent, and finding her voice to write the bestselling children's book, Raylin's Flower Garden. Her story is a powerful testament to the strength of a mother, the healing power of positive change, and the necessity of kindness.

Magon's book’s core message is about kindness and the acceptance of kids who look and are different. It’s a way of creating a lasting legacy for her daughter, Raylin, and sends a powerful message that there is a person inside who wants to be heard and loved.

DISCUSSION

1. The Journey to a Brighter Life: Magon is a mom of three girls, including 15-year-old McKayla and 13-year-old Raylin. Raylin has a rare genetic mutation called MYLK, which has caused seven strokes, making her nonverbal and wheelchair-bound. Magon fled an abusive marriage in California after a traumatic night, moving to Nevada three years ago for safety and a better life with her children. She found her "rock" in her current husband in Nevada, and the family is now complete with their one-and-a-half-year-old baby girl.
2. A Legacy of Kindness: Magon initially began writing an autobiography about her traumatic life experiences, but the heavy topics led her to put it aside. After an incident where Raylin came home from school with bruises, Magon felt compelled to "turn this bad situation into something good". She wrote the children's book, Raylin's Flower Garden, in just two days. What Magon thought would be a small project for friends and family has become a bestselling book that led to speaking engagements and podcast appearances.
3. The Voice of a Warrior Daughter: Magon discussed the unique role her older daughter, McKayla, was forced into due to Raylin's complex medical needs and the family's trauma. McKayla grew up learning independence and maturity early. Now, three years later, McKayla told her mother that moving was "the best decision you ever made," which brought Magon immense comfort.
4. Finding the Aha Moment: Magon shared that her biggest aha moment was realizing her potential and being where she is now—in Boulder City with a supportive husband, healthy kids, and a completed family. She feels like she has "made it in life" and knows things are "only gonna go up from here".
5. From Writing from the Heart to More Books: Magon describes her writing as coming from a vulnerable, "real and raw" state, presenting her work as if she is speaking to the reader. She hopes to eventually finish her autobiography to share her full story. She also revealed that there are more books to come in the "Raylin series".
6. A Missed Opportunity and a Family Talent: Magon revealed that she was chosen to be on The Voice in 2011, but tragedy struck two days before her audition when her 19-year-old brother passed away in a car accident. She loves to sing and is encouraging McKayla, who is a great singer, to pursue her talent. Magon's first job was working in the food industry at the San Diego Wild Animal Park.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Magon Peuker and Raylin's Flower Garden, visit www.magonpeuker.com. 

KEYWORDS

Raylin's Flower Garden, Special Needs Parent, Resilience, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce

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