Product Description
(2008 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA): Gold Award; 2008 Mom's Choice Awards: Silver Recipient, Special & Exceptional Needs; 2008 Nautilus Award: Silver Winner, Memoir/Personal Growth) 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 their lives. The contributors to this collection have diverse personalities and perspectives, and draw from a wide spectrum of ethnicity, world views, and religious beliefs. Some are parenting within a traditional family structure; some are not. Some never considered terminating their pregnancy; some struggled with the decision. Some were calm at the time of diagnosis; some were traumatized. Some write about their pregnancy and the months after giving birth; some reflect on years of experience with their child. Their diverse experiences point to a common truth: The life of a child with Down syndrome is something to celebrate. These women have something to say--not just to other mothers but to all of us.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 30 reviews)

Must have for all new parents with a child with Down Syndrome by Happy Mom (PA)

5 Stars
August 23, 2009
This is an absolutely heartwarming (and tearjerking...in a good way) book that all new parents with a child with Down Syndrome should have. I got this book after finding out my little girl was going to be born with Down Syndrome. She is now 2 and I still find myself reading it sometimes. It's a great gift idea too, if you know someone who has just had a baby with DS, or who has a prenatal diagnosis.

Excellent uplifting stories by Annie (Parshall, ND United States)

5 Stars
August 19, 2009
What wonderful uplifting stories of children with Down Syndrome. This would be an excellent gift for parents or grandparents of someone with Down Syndrome. I've already given it to our neighbor down the street and will give it to others who are blessed with a child with Down Syndrome. Our daughter (who has Down Syndrome) asked my husband (who is bald) what Down Syndrome means and he said that "it's kind of like being bald, you can't help it but it really doesn't matter much!"

You definately NEED to read this book! by Reader Bird

5 Stars
June 14, 2009
This is an incredibly wonderful collection of personal stories, from families, about their feelings when they were given the diagnosis of Down syndrome. It talks about their vulnerability, tears, fears, grief, and loving acceptance. The stories are remarkably similar in spirit (and similar to my own experiences), yet vastly different in true-life execution. How we react, grieve, and deal with the curve ball of Down syndrome is explored and the reader will laugh, cry, and everything in between; but the outcome is always fantastic. It is a throughly enjoyable and compelling read.

Wonderful gift by J. Perkins

4 Stars
May 22, 2009
This book has been a beautiful gift for people who have helped our organization. We serve individuals with Down syndrome, but have many volunteers who have never had any contact with this community before. This book is a wonderful way to introduce them to our children. Thank you!!

A must read for all parents of a child with Down Syndrome by mom in VA (Suffolk, VA USA)

5 Stars
January 05, 2009
I couldn't put this book down! I wish someone would have given this book to me when my son was born. This book needs to be given out in hospitals to the families of new babies born with Down Syndrome. It was so touching. I cried and laughed. Most importantly I felt connected to the writer of each story in some way. This book also echoed over and over the fact that we need medical professionals and hospital staff that have been properly educated on how to give less than desireable news to new parents in an intelligent and compassionate manner.

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