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1st out of 39 books
—
12 voters
Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives
Having a baby with Down syndrome is not something most parents would willingly choose. Yet many who travel this path discover rich, unexpected rewards along the way. In this candid and poignant collection of personal stories, sixty-three mothers describe the gifts of respect, strength, delight, perspective, and love, which their child with Down syndrome has brought into th...more
Paperback, 292 pages
Published
July 1st 2007
by Woodbine House
(first published 2006)
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Members of any disability community often have to wait around for some sort of entrance into the the social discourse: a film that ruffles feathers, a vice presidential candidate with a son with Down Syndrome. Often those entrances end up being squandered chances. One of the more common responses to the criticism of "Tropic Thunder" I saw was "I do what I want, an' I have Free Speech, so you shut up." Which is, you know, maybe not the most supple view of one of our most cherished rights as Ameri...more
I really enjoyed the format of multiple stories -- it made it easy to set down and pick up without feeling like you were missing much. I will say that towards the end many of the stories starting sounding the same and it was harder to focus. What surprised me most about the stories was how often these women were given the choice of termination. Obviously they chose to have the baby and are glad, or else this would be a very different book. I think for someone struggling with the decision, this w...more
I want to say that I loved this book - but I found it more depressing than making me happy. Perhaps I am extremely different than other parents that found out prior to birth, that the child would have Down Syndrome. Many of the stories shared were shared by parents that went through a lot of grieving upon discovering their child would be born with Trisonomy 21. I guess I didn't have so much grief, as I did joy, that my family was going to be blessed with our little angel.
Aug 07, 2011
Tara Fays
added it
A wonderful book! A collection of heart warming and tear jerking stories of the initial diagnosis and often heartrending prognosis of children with Down Syndrome, often while the child is still embryonic. Each story is unique and each individual deals with the choices they are presented with in different ways- making the possibilities for identification with the audience endless. This book is a "must read".
This book was my first ray of light after my son was born. As a new parent of a child with Down syndrome I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know anyone who had been in my shoes but this book provided me with many stories of women who had. It was truly a lifeline for me... letting me know it would all be ok... And ya know what? It is!!
I started reading this book when some of the earlier pregnancy tests came back abnormal, leaning toward Down Syndrome. At this point, I don't believe it's something we'll be dealing with, but this book is definitely an inspiring book if you ever get the chance to know a child with Down Syndrome.
Real life stories by moms of children with Downs Syndrome. These brief stories/essays were incredibly touching and helped me better understand the joys and sorrows of a parent who has a child with Downs Syndrome. Very honest and compelling!
I found this book extremely interesting since my neice was recently born with Down Syndrome. While I know my brother will face challenges raising his baby girl, this book gives me confidence that there will be a lot to look forward to as well.
I recommended that he buy this book for his wife this Mother's Day.
I recommended that he buy this book for his wife this Mother's Day.
I started reading this book, which is a collection of true stories and thoughts from parents of kids with Down syndrome, but then I gave it to my daughter as a gift, so I did not get to finish it! I need to either buy another copy, or check it out from the library again. Being the grandmother of a new baby with Down syndrome, I am reading everything I can get my hands on about the disability, so I will know what to expect as our sweet baby girl grows, and so I can help her to reach her full pote...more
Jun 12, 2012
Penny Bohn
added it
This book gave me the permission to love my new life as mother to a new baby with Down Syndrome. Thank you, Katheryn.
Great book. A must read for new parents with a Down Syndrome child.
Feb 10, 2008
Kristy
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Kristy by:
Billy
This blessed book contains essays written by moms of children who have Down syndrome. It was my lifeline those first few days after Sal's diagnosis.
When people told me "God gives special children to special moms" it scared me to death. I didn't consider myself special or qualified enough to care for Sal. I was inspired and encouraged by the tales of these ordinary moms who grappled with the same emotions I was experiencing.
This book helped me to get over my shock and grief, and to get on with f...more
When people told me "God gives special children to special moms" it scared me to death. I didn't consider myself special or qualified enough to care for Sal. I was inspired and encouraged by the tales of these ordinary moms who grappled with the same emotions I was experiencing.
This book helped me to get over my shock and grief, and to get on with f...more
Jun 19, 2012
Lachie Woodhill
added it
deep
From the picture on the cover to the stories written by these parents, this book is just plain sweet. It is compiled of short stories written by parents of children with down syndrome. They address the feelings associated with learning about the diagnosis, pressures around them to abort, and inspiring tales of the gifts these children have been in their lives and to those around them. This is important and powerful book.
Sooo good to read about other people's experiences having a child with Down syndrome.
I don't have anyone in my life with Down syndrome, I only came to this book because my friend was working on gathering the essays and asked me to submit a cover design.
I love having books with short pieces in them, something to read at night. These stories, so true, so hopeful, brought home to me, once again, what being a mother is all about, and to value my own children in the same way these mothers value theirs.
I love having books with short pieces in them, something to read at night. These stories, so true, so hopeful, brought home to me, once again, what being a mother is all about, and to value my own children in the same way these mothers value theirs.
An exceptional book full of stories and reflections written by parents of children with Down syndrome. It focuses not on the struggles and the medical and developmental issues (though they are acknowledged) but instead on the joy and beauty and the high quality of life that is very possible in today's world. This is a very important book.
Aug 13, 2007
Heather
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
parents of children with Down Syndrome
Shelves:
books-read-2007
I wish I had this book at the time of my daughter's diagnosis with Down Syndrome. It is reassuring to read that so many families are following the same road that we are. The authors do not sugarcoat the difficulties associated with Down Syndrome, but neither do they ignore the positives.
Aug 10, 2009
Jane
added it
maybe the topic is too limited, it's all moms, no dads, grandparents, siblings, etc. and they're all just so happy with their Down's kiddo. Which is great for them, but it gets kind of boring after a while.
My mom gave me this book for Christmas. I've read a few of the stories so far - very interesting to read other parents' perspectives on having children with Down Syndrome.
Incredibly helpful for me. It calmed my fears and brought some peace
Still love it.
May 15, 2013
Frehiwot
marked it as to-read
May 03, 2013
Wajih Bukhari
marked it as to-read
Apr 28, 2013
Juliette
marked it as to-read
Apr 27, 2013
Samah
added it
Apr 18, 2013
Ahmaed Ali
marked it as to-read
Apr 13, 2013
Musheera
marked it as to-read
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Dec 01, 2010 09:45pm