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Heart of This Family: Lessons in Down Syndrome and Love
1966, the Beatles and "Leave It To Beaver" reign, the Vietnam War and Civil Rights rage, feminism is unheard of, and Linda's first baby is diagnosed with Down syndrome. Linda refuses to institutionalize him, determined to raise Steve at home. For the two more sons who follow and her husband, Linda tries to fulfill cultural norms as a homemaker, a woman whose voice is seldom heard or valued. But it isn't her nature to be meek.
Linda struggles to provide Steve an education at a time when disability rights don't exist. Her advocacy focuses first on integrating him into the community, then, as he grows into adulthood, landing a real job and independent housing. Pioneering what's now called "inclusion," Linda follows her heart to help Steve develop his fullest humanity.
Over these same decades, Linda learns to advocate for herself as well, starting with a career in public education. When she unexpectedly falls in love with a woman, her life path takes unforeseen turns. Linda must dig deep to accept her new identity before she's ready to meet her true soulmate. Throughout, unwavering love for all her sons is her lodestar.
Linda struggles to provide Steve an education at a time when disability rights don't exist. Her advocacy focuses first on integrating him into the community, then, as he grows into adulthood, landing a real job and independent housing. Pioneering what's now called "inclusion," Linda follows her heart to help Steve develop his fullest humanity.
Over these same decades, Linda learns to advocate for herself as well, starting with a career in public education. When she unexpectedly falls in love with a woman, her life path takes unforeseen turns. Linda must dig deep to accept her new identity before she's ready to meet her true soulmate. Throughout, unwavering love for all her sons is her lodestar.
294 pages, Paperback
Published August 18, 2020
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 29, 2020
Excited to give the first review for this book --
Heart of This Family was authored by a friend of my grandma's, who gifted it to my family because of our connection to someone with Down Syndrome (my mom's sister). I wasn't planning on reading it, but my mom left it next to my bookstand and I picked it up while falling asleep one night. I flew through it in less than 48 hours! I do think I especially enjoyed it comforts me that my grandmother was friends with a woman like this.
This book is well-written and really exemplifies ideas such as community care, disability justice and feminism before those terms became mainstream. Linda didn't have anyone to follow, but to trust her instincts in all aspects of her life -- and things didn't always turn out okay, but perhaps still turned out how they should. Both Linda and Steve (her son, diagnosed with Down Syndrome during an era of institutionalization) have lived such rich lives and grew from such adversity. To me, the book is an example of how punishing the traditional nuclear family is to women, and that everyone needs a network of care and support -- whether Linda or Steve. I especially admired that although Linda was a strong advocate for her son, she recognized when she needed to step back from control and respected his own wishes.
I do recommend this book!
Heart of This Family was authored by a friend of my grandma's, who gifted it to my family because of our connection to someone with Down Syndrome (my mom's sister). I wasn't planning on reading it, but my mom left it next to my bookstand and I picked it up while falling asleep one night. I flew through it in less than 48 hours! I do think I especially enjoyed it comforts me that my grandmother was friends with a woman like this.
This book is well-written and really exemplifies ideas such as community care, disability justice and feminism before those terms became mainstream. Linda didn't have anyone to follow, but to trust her instincts in all aspects of her life -- and things didn't always turn out okay, but perhaps still turned out how they should. Both Linda and Steve (her son, diagnosed with Down Syndrome during an era of institutionalization) have lived such rich lives and grew from such adversity. To me, the book is an example of how punishing the traditional nuclear family is to women, and that everyone needs a network of care and support -- whether Linda or Steve. I especially admired that although Linda was a strong advocate for her son, she recognized when she needed to step back from control and respected his own wishes.
I do recommend this book!
August 24, 2021
Love, that is what this story is about, through and through. The fierce, unwavering love of a mother and her son's love for her. My heart aches at the pain the narrator suffered during a time when being different was too much trouble to accommodate. But I rejoice in the immense victories she won for women and for her son and others like them. You absolutely cannot read this book and walk away unchanged. This gorgeous story makes me want to reorder my entire life and put love at the top of the list. Nothing else really matters anyway.
April 27, 2021
What happens when a talented author writes her memoir?
You have a page turner written from the heart of Linda Morrow.
This is not your typical memoir. This is a story about Steve, her son, and Morrow’s challenge to navigate bureaucracy and seek help in a system that simply doesn’t exist. This is a story about a woman who acknowledges and applauds the efforts of the people who support her in the plight to give Steve a normal life, despite his Down Syndrome.
Morrow’s story includes struggles with her own sexuality, relationships, and the desire to be a part of an education system that is all inclusive and void of prejudice. I applaud her willingness to reveal raw emotions and deep inner thoughts. Her journey is inspiring and educational.
You have a page turner written from the heart of Linda Morrow.
This is not your typical memoir. This is a story about Steve, her son, and Morrow’s challenge to navigate bureaucracy and seek help in a system that simply doesn’t exist. This is a story about a woman who acknowledges and applauds the efforts of the people who support her in the plight to give Steve a normal life, despite his Down Syndrome.
Morrow’s story includes struggles with her own sexuality, relationships, and the desire to be a part of an education system that is all inclusive and void of prejudice. I applaud her willingness to reveal raw emotions and deep inner thoughts. Her journey is inspiring and educational.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews