Finding Matthew: A Child with Brain Damage, a Young Man with Mental Illness, a Son and Brother with Extraordinary Spirit

by Donna Kirk

So many things in the book resonate: the sorrows, struggles, and challenges, as well as the guilt and despair and, through it all, the surprising and amazing presence of love and joy that come with being a parent of a child with a disabilty. JIM TRIANTAFILOU, Executive Director, Brampton Caledon Community Living a true story in several senses true to life in general, true to family life in particular, and true to medicine a wonderful book. GERALD TAYLOR, M.D., Mississauga, Ontario During the first few weeks after Matthew Kirk was born brain-damaged as a result of oxygen deprivation during delivery the doctors advised his parents, Donna and Ed Kirk, to put him in an institution, have another baby as soon as possible, and get on with their life. But what the doctors didn't understand was that Matthew was their life. Indeed, as he grew, he would surprise everyone with his athletic good looks, spirited personality, and supreme ability to create joy and love as so many people gathered around to help him through his physical and mental struggles. Now, with the publication of this clear-eyed, laugh-inducing, and heart-tugging book, Donna Kirk recounts the story the love story of how she and her family found Matthew, and how he found them.

Genres: Memoir

314 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Donna's non-fiction narrative, Finding Matthew, was published in November 2012. Donna Writes for magazines, journals and newspapers and has a blog at: http://www.donnakirk.com

Reviews

[Ann Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book. Once I started reading it, I was swept up by the story of the challenges the Kirk family faced and their determination to provide the best quality of life for Matthew (a boy the medical establishment had given up on at birth). Their story is inspiring and funny and heartbreaking, all at once. Do not read this book in public unless you are okay with having a book make you fall apart in a coffee shop or on a bus. Don't say you weren't warned.

[Jonas Stephan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good day all well i faith this is a good book a splendid story through the person through brain injuries god bless really have it good.

[Helen Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting insight into family life, touched by a child with special and multiple needs.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Matthew is an emotional, gritty book that is filled with deep resolve and hope in the face of adversity.

If you don't have or haven't known any children with developmental disabilities this book will open your eyes to the deep riches they bring to the lives of those around them. If you do have a child with developmental disabilities you need to read this book. You'll laugh out loud and you'll cry. You will find yourself exhausted and refreshed at once. You'll feel stronger and wiser.

This is the story of a man with severe developmental disabilities who had great potential and realized it -- and a mother and family who recognized and fought to nurture that potential from the very beginning. From his earliest days Matthew Kirk defied the odds and some of his doctors (whose words and opinions you'll be shocked to read about).

As a parent I found parts of it extremely hard to read. You really walk with Matthew and his mother, Donna. You experience the highs and the lows of their life together, but through it all you find yourself affirmed in every bit of sacrifice and love you are called to as a parent -- indeed as a human being. In a world that tells us we should be obsessed with self here is another way.

Matthew was a remarkable person -- a genuine character who changed many lives, and continues to do so. You'll be glad to have met him.

[4bbinnc · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom spent 25 years writing "Finding Matthew." and to say it was a labor of love, would be trite. "Finding Matthew" is a masterpiece, expertly written and refined over the quarter of a century. I am incredibly proud of the book she's written.
Matthew's every challenge and milestone is detailed with eloquent prose. She writes our story in an engaging manner that makes you want to know more about Matthew and our family.
Readers need to be prepared to really get to know Matthew. You'll laugh, cry and celebrate every milestone.
You won't be able to put the book down.

[Prasanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

While many give up their kids and some walk out of marriages, there are still some like Donna Kirk who show us how you can care for a differently abled child and still live a fulfilling life and have a complete family with more kids. ~ http://bookreviews.infoversant.com/fi...

[Julie Whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully told personal story of an extraordinary woman and her family helping their son and brother live his life to the fullest.
It made made both smile and weep. I would highly recommend this book!

[Pjs_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. Honest and emotional and compelling. I laughed and cried and could hardly put it down.