SUPE R MOM Elaine BRUCKNER

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

Over nearly the past two decades, Elaine Bruckner hasn’t punched a timecard or gotten a paycheck. But the role she plays as a mother to her two boys—one of whom was diagnosed with autism at an early age—is one more important to her than any job outside of her home could ever be. “My daily life revolves around my family, and I am always busy taking Ty to his activities—which include his involvement with the Exceptional Foundation, Special Olympics basketball, Dance Without Limits, and Dream Court tennis,” says Bruckner, describing the active calendar she keeps with her 20-year-old son, Ty, who has non-verbal autism. “My biggest challenge with Ty stems from the fact that he is non-verbal, and the behaviors that go along with autism aren’t always in our favor. However, I have learned to accept those challenges and to accommodate Ty when he needs it. Ty is working at Lulu’s part-time in Gulf Shores and enjoys it so much, and I’m so proud of him for that!”

“Bruckner has been married for 25 years to her husband Sean, who works at Airgas, and the couple have raised their two boys to be incredibly close. “Luke has been our inspiration on what a brother should be, and Ty and Luke are the best of friends!” says Bruckner of her 23-year-old son, who recently graduated from LSU and now resides and works in Jacksonville, FL. “We have a very tight knit family, and having a special needs son has }just brought us all closer.”

Both Bruckner and her husband were born and raised in Illinois, and they moved their family to Daphne almost four years ago. “It has been quite the transition, moving to the South, but we feel truly blessed to be here. We are so ecstatic about all of the opportunities that Ty has in this area, and we’re embracing as many of them as we can!”

After so many years learning and adapting to her son’s disorder, Bruckner know the challenges that often arise and meets them. But she wasn’t always confident that she would be capable of being the kind of mother her son needed. “I was never sure I could be successful at raising a special-needs child,” she admits. “But I have learned so much, and it has been the greatest gift of my life. I have met the most amazing people—both families and children— who are the best people you’ll ever meet. The amount of heartache and strain we face, and finding that place of being socially acceptable, is different for a family that has children with special needs. I have learned to love and embrace all people, all children, and their families. It has been a life lesson— and a life-changing one.”

Cultivating the closest relationships she can within her family has been important to Bruckner as she has raised her boys. To that end, they have some special traditions that have helped forge bonds and make incredible memories together. “We love to do all the fun things!” she says. “We visit Disney World at least twice a year, and we love to go on cruises and travel as much as possible. We have had to make lots of new family traditions, being so far away from family and living in the South, but it has been great. We love creating new traditions that are ours alone and completely unique to us. Our favorite has been spending Christmas and New Year’s at Disney World.”

Her sons may not be school aged anymore, but Bruckner’s devotion to giving them both the best memories and the most love she can has remained constant. “The most important thing I hope my children remember about me and our family is together time,” she says. “There is no better time than all of us being together with extended family, having fun and making memories. My kids aren’t always happy about me taking a ton of pictures, but I know someday they will be treasures. My children have both taught me so much: patience, support, kindness, and inclusion. I hope that these things they have taught me are the characteristics they will remember about me and continue in their own lives.”

National Junior Charity League Eastern Shore Chapter Senior Recognition Event

Photos by Ruili Cai

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church served as the partner church for the 8th annual Night to Shine Daphne which was held in Trojan Hall at Daphne High School. The event was open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older. Events like these are held throughout the United States with support of The Tim Tebow Foundation. A red-carpet entrance, limousine rides, dancing, karaoke, gifts, a catered dinner, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, and a crowning ceremony where every honored guest received a crown or tiara were all part of the event.

Golf Classic

2-PERSON SCRAMBLE

$150 SINGLE PLAYER ENTRY

$300 ONE TEAM ENTRY

$600 TWO TEAM ENTRY

10AM REGISTRATION

12PM SHOTGUN

AWARDS RECEPTION FOLLOWING PLAY

FRIDAY, APRIL 28TH ROCK CREEK GOLF COURSE REGISTER AT YSAL.ORG/GOLF

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR THIS EVENT, PLEASE EMAIL MARIANN AT MLEACH@YSAL.ORG FOR A SPONSORSHIP FORM.

For over 166 years, the Y has responded to community needs through facility membership for fitness and wellness, Afterschool and Day Camp for out of school time, and Swim Lessons to keep people in our communities safe around water. Your participation in this event will ensure that the YMCA does not turn anyone away due to the inability to pay.

S. Wesley Carpenter, CPWA®, CFP ®, ChFC® Managing Director Senior Resident Director – Wealth Management Advisor Portfolio Manager

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ARDINALS in the Courtyard

The courtyard at St Michael Catholic High School served as a beautiful setting for the 7th annual Cardinals in the Courtyard. Attendees enjoyed mouthwatering food at several tasting stations, a dueling piano performance, a fabulous live auction and an online silent auction. Sponsors were invited to begin the evening with a special Mass and champagne toast. Funds raised from the event will help to continue the mission of the only Catholic high school in Baldwin County which is to support aspiring students to become scholars, leaders and disciples of Jesus Christ.