Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives

by Kathryn Lynard Soper, Martha Sears (Foreword)

(2008 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA): Gold Award; 2008 Mom's Choice Silver Recipient, Special & Exceptional Needs; 2008 Nautilus 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 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. Also by Kathryn Lynard Soper :
Gifts 2: How People with Down Syndrome Enrich the World

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Disability, Memoir

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 would be a great resource. It is hopeful. Many of the women were able to reflect on their initial feelings effectively and see how those first struggles ultimately made them stronger and the rewards of a Trisomy 3 baby a blessing.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 falling in love with my beautiful son.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had been given this book when my son was born. Instead I got a dry book with outdated information from our geneticist. Imagine being told your week-old had an expected lifespan of 25 years and then finding out later that no, ages of 40's and 50's are common. Heartrending for no reason! This book is full of hope and love -- the same things my heart was full of for my newborn -- and made me feel like I wasn't alone in loving my little boy. So many people said, "Sorry," instead of "Congratulations!" This book was the "Congratulations!" that I wanted to hear.

I highly recommend it as a gift for parents that have just received a diagnosis and are contemplating their options. You can learn more from people already walking the path than you can from someone with classroom experience that is based on outdated research. I hope that someone is inspired to see how much we love our children thanks to this book.

[RoseAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book upon the arrival of my nephew Ricky and his diagnosis with Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21). I purchased two copies: one to gift to his mom and dad and one for me to read and pass on to other family members.

I loved the personal stories shared by the parents of other Down Syndrome children. As our whole family navigates an unexpected diagnosis it is so hopeful to read about others' journeys and how they have overcome the challenges associated with Down Syndrome.

I should have had a highlighter handy while I was reading my copy because there were many details that jumped out at me as similarities, from a co-diagnosis of Hirschsprung syndrome to the nuances of early diagnosis and sharing with family members.

If the occasion arises I will be recommending this to new parents and family members, and possibly also gifting additional copies.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great. I especially loved that each chapter was written by someone different, in their own stye. Their love really came through.
I was sadden by how many doctors recommended terminating the pregnancy. How many were callus to the idea that we’re all created equal. How many were wrong about the babies is astonishing. Telling that story made this book worth the read.

I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because the stories all started to sound the same after a while.

I had a uncle with down syndrome whom passed this year. He brought such joy to our family for 55 years. This book would be a great read for anyone expecting or who has a child with Down syndrome.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all the stories in this book. I am a contributor to this.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Johnna Cornett · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Tara Fays]

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".

[Ellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Kenadi Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jane]

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.

[Dori · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Laurie]

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.

[Kendra]

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.

['becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still love it.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. A must read for new parents with a Down Syndrome child.

[Kristi W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful for me. It calmed my fears and brought some peace

[Penny Bohn]

This book gave me the permission to love my new life as mother to a new baby with Down Syndrome. Thank you, Katheryn.

[Lachie Woodhill]

deep

[Teresa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

From older parents to very young and their thoughts and issues with DS children being born. Wonderful stories full of love and affection and the support of these children.