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

Kathryn Lynard Soper (Author), Martha Sears (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2007

(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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Gifts is a poignant and inspirational collection of stories written by mothers of children with Down syndrome. These mothers, each with a unique story, graciously and honestly offer us a glimpse of their journey. Some describe the raw anguish felt upon learning that their child had Down syndrome, their sense of loss and even despair. Many speak of the fierce protection they provide their child in terms of advocacy and education of others, and how they, as mothers, have grown strong and assertive in providing for their children's needs. All talk of unyielding love and admiration for their children and the joy the children have brought to their lives.

Written to help others who are experiencing similar circumstances, Gifts explores relationships between a parent and child, with siblings and with the larger community. It tells of the 'light burning brightly' and 'the tiny hands of comfort' offered by the child with Down syndrome. It shares stories of families who are reveling in the journey that they had once feared.

This book will accompany the reader long after it is placed on the bookshelf. The advice and resources provided will help many, and the theme of determination will inspire all to cheer for those with Down's, as well as their families. A companion volume is in the works offering more stories of love, acceptance and hope.

I thoroughly enjoyed this paperback book. Not often can a book touch one s heart--I found, more than once, a tear in my eye and a smile on my lips. It is a testament to what can be accomplished with love, patience and determination and will be an invaluable resource for anyone associated with the care of individuals with Down syndrome. --ADVANCE for Occupational Therapy Practitioners, July 7, 2008<br /><br />A beautiful book that provides insight into family life with Down syndrome; recommended for public libraries. --Library Journal Xpress Reviews, June 12, 2007<br /><br />This fine book helps dispel the fear and misinformation about Down syndrome that many parents and prospective parents face. As these deft essays convey, the world would be a sweeter place with more Down syndrome citizens, not fewer. --George F. Will

GIFTS is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. The Mom's Choice Awards honors excellence in family-friendly media, products, and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members inlcudes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of the Mom's Choice Awards. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book/product has been honored by this distinguished award. --Mom's Choice Awards

About the Author

Kathryn Lynard Soper is the mother of seven children. Her youngest, Thomas, born in 2005, was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. Kathryn received a BA in English from Brigham Young University in 1993. She is president of Segullah Group, Inc., a non-profit producer of personal writings, and is editor of Segullah, a literary journal by and for Latter-day Saint (Mormon) women. She is currently writing a memoir about her first year with Thomas. Kathryn lives with her husband, Reed, and their children in the mountain west.

Product Details

• Paperback: 326 pages
• Publisher: Woodbine House; 1 edition (May 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890627852
• ISBN-13: 978-1890627850
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #129,655 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most inspiring books I have read., June 13, 2007

By 

Richard L. Schreiner (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives (Paperback)

I am the father of an 18 year old daughter with DS and am physician in chief of Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. GIFTS is one of the most inspiring books I have read. And I am not noted for being a warm, fuzzing, sensitive guy; in fact, recently my wife said that I scored quite low on the "sensitivity scale." I have given copies of GIFTS to about 50 new parents of babies with DS at our IDSF (Indiana Down Syndrome) and DADS (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) functions and when babies with DS have been admitted to Riley Hospital, usually for open heart surgery. The response from these parents has been one of the most amazing things I have observed. One mother told me that this book is exactly what she needed when she was having such emotional difficulties shortly after the birth of their new baby. I bought another 100 copies of GIFTS and will give a copy to any parent of a baby with DS or who is pregnant with a baby with DS. Rich Schreiner, Indianapolis IN
Rich Schreiner | 06.14.07 - 9:45 am |

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What A Beautiful Book Inside and Out, November 2, 2006

By 

Tammy (York, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gifts: How Children With Down Syndrome Have Enriched Our Lives (Paperback)

As a parent of a child with Down Syndrome, it's very hard to find "inspirational" stories. All the physicians have negative viewing materials.

This book allowed me to know, I'm not alone, it's not all bad and what a wonderful experience we all can experience if we'd shut our mouths and open our minds.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I Had This When I Was Younger...., July 23, 2007

By 

Julie Jordan Scott "Writer, Life Coach - Owne... (Bakersfield, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives (Paperback)

I picked this book up and could not put it down. Even writing about it now I am crying.

I am a sibling of a Down's Syndrome Child who became a Down's Syndrome Adult. My brother died in April and it is still difficult to not break down every time I see a person with Down's Syndrome because I miss his presence on the planet.

The book is exceptionally honest. I was glad to see the book didn't back away from the question of termination of pregnancies when it is determined the baby has Down's. I was afraid it might be all like a fairy tale, "Look how happy we are with our special needs child!" and while the stories generally focused on the upbeat and gift-filled endings, there was a lot of truthfulness in the struggle.

It also shared of marraiges that failed as a result of the challenges inherent in having a child with Down's syndrome.

The photos were absolutely beautiful. There was one little girl, Madison Crouse, who could be a beauty queen. There was a family that is comprised of four adoptive children, all with Down's Syndrome and a biological child without Down's Syndrome.

My only criticism of the book is there aren't stories by people with older children with Down's. I realize it is probably because the stories were mostly (or all?) written by website contributers, but it would have been great to read a story from someone "like me" -