DownSyn Forum

jennifergg · Posted: August 02 2007, 8:55 AM Post subject: GIFTS: Personal experiences

What experiences can we share about our own personal involvement with Gifts? How has its publication affected you?

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Jennifer Graf Groneberg

mom2alex · Posted: August 02 2007, 10:59 AM Post subject:

You know what I took away from this was how easy the words flowed once I started.

When I was asked to contribute I really thought it would have been on a blog somewhere I had no idea that it would become such a huge success.

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Nicol - Mom to Alex -18

LovingEmmaJayne · Posted: August 02 2007, 11:14 AM Post subject:

I too have been virtually floored by Gifts success.

It's been empowering to be part of a project that has had such a significant impact. It's been empowering to know that people are interested and care about our words; our reflections of life with our children. It's empowering to feel that acceptance, especially in a culture that so often devalues the life experience of people with disabilities and the lives they touch around them.

It is gratifying to know that my scream "Do not pity me" is being heard...and heeded.

Who Knew? LOL!

Emily

jennifergg · Posted: August 02 2007, 11:16 AM Post subject:

Nicol, your story (The Eighth-Grade Dance, Ch 49) was another one I turned to because it was of an older child, (young man, should I say?) and it gave me such hope for my family and our future.

I'm happy to learn that the writing came easily for you. I think you make a very good point: oftentimes, the hardest part is just getting started. If you can make that start, then the rest of the writing gets easier...

_________________
Jennifer Graf Groneberg

mom2alex · Posted: August 02 2007, 12:17 PM Post subject:

I am so glad it gave you hope..that was want I wanted for the story. While Alex was relatively healthy as an infant and toddler I so often read about the struggles everyone seems to be having both health related and worrying about their children's futures.

I wanted a story that would seem so typical to other moms but that would give hope and a glimpse to those of us "special mom's" how real and typical life can be...

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Nicol - Mom to Alex -18

jennifergg · Posted: August 02 2007, 12:44 PM Post subject:

Oh Emily, what a terrific rally-cry...Do not pity me! I will be saying it til my last, gasping breath...

You are absolutely right that it feels terrific to be able to share with the world some of the beauty in our children, and our lives with them!

_________________
Jennifer Graf Groneberg

nashtaters · Posted: August 02 2007, 2:03 PM Post subject:

I too am amazed at the reception, by those with children with Ds as well as others. I think receiving the emails from those that GIFTS affects is so awesome. That Nash has made an impact on the future of their child is so touching....it was meant to be, Gifts.

_________________
Jan, Mom to Nash 9
http://mauzysmusings.blogspot.com/

queenk · Posted: August 02 2007, 2:59 PM Post subject:

I still cry whenever I look at the photos.

I love the diversity of the contributors. Our cause is one that crosses political and philosophical and denominational lines. GIFTS is "living" proof of that. My experience with the book has enabled me to articulate what needs to change in society, and why, in ways that can reach a wide audience. In other words, I'm not just talking from my own point of view--I've caught a vision of the larger picture, and that's what I can share with others.

I love the emotional honesty of the book. I am so grateful for the courage of each woman who opened her heart and shared it with others. Gifts, indeed.

_________________
Kathryn Lynard Soper
Mother of Thomas (DS) 10/2005
Sam - 2003
Matt - 2001
Christine - 1999
Andrew - 1997
Ben - 1994
Elizabeth - 1993

Author of The Year My Son and I Were Born: A Story of Down Syndrome, Motherhood, and Self-Discovery

Editor of GIFTS and GIFTS 2

Annieo · Posted: August 02 2007, 3:28 PM Post subject:

I am thrilled to pieces about the success of the book. I giggle every time I'm in a Barnes & Noble and see it on the shelf (and I always go look just to have a giggle!).

I've been trying to organize a book signing at the B&N at the Mall of America. I've been going back and forth with the guy there for a couple months. Normally I would not pursue anything the way I've pursued this. I tend to be a procrastinator and somedays I have to force myself to call the guy because I have a little bit of phone-a-phobia. But I have pursued this man until he now recognizes my voice and knows my name - LOL!!! (We're trying to nail down a date in September to coincide with a workshop being held there by a local organization that works with kids with special needs.) My persistence has amazed me. I've always said I could never be in sales unless I really believed in the product. I guess I found a product to believe in!

_________________

"There's a release in knowing the truth no matter how anguishing it is. You come finally to the irreducible thing, and there's nothing left to do but pick it up and hold it. Then, at least, you can enter the severe mercy of acceptance." Sue Monk Kidd

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people can make a difference, in fact it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Meade

Ann, married to Tim, mom to Sally, Mark, Jane, John (12/02, DS), Paul and Alice

www.caringbridge.org/visit/johnbremer

kellyrimmer · Posted: August 02 2007, 8:25 PM Post subject:

Im very excited on how the book has took off!
Kathy I cry everytime I look at the pics too!! All the storys just choke me up! Im so proud we were apart of this and tell everyone about the book and how WONDERFUL it is!! I even went out and purchused a few more books and donated them to our early intervention program to give to new parents.

_________________
Kelly Rimmer
Mom to
Paige-11-12-92
Aaron-06-16-99(Adhd and Dyslexia)
08-19-05 (DS)
Kristen-11-1-06
Sydney- 3-8-08

Helen Keller once said
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved".

kellyrimmer · Posted: August 02 2007, 8:27 PM Post subject:

OOPs

_________________
Kelly Rimmer
Mom to
Paige-11-12-92
Aaron-06-16-99(Adhd and Dyslexia)
08-19-05 (DS)
Kristen-11-1-06
Sydney- 3-8-08

Helen Keller once said
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved".

kellyrimmer · Posted: August 02 2007, 8:27 PM Post subject:

Sorry my computer stuck for some reason and this was on here 3 times sorry again

_________________
Kelly Rimmer
Mom to
Paige-11-12-92
Aaron-06-16-99(Adhd and Dyslexia)
08-19-05 (DS)
Kristen-11-1-06
Sydney- 3-8-08

Helen Keller once said
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved".

Ava · Posted: August 04 2007, 5:35 PM Post subject:

The book "GIFTS" affected me deeply. As I was reading each story, I could see and hear a part of me and my voice. Re-living how I felt that morning that I gave birth to Daniel. How I cried and choked on my tears, silently when no one was looking, and loudly when my family was at my side.
Each story touched me in a way that i wish each author knew how much I admired them while I was reading.

My son Daniel has taught me so much about life already. Just in 2-1/2 short years.
I am going to purchase more "GIFTS" books to give to my Early Intervention as well.

_________________
Ava & John

www.youravon.com/akrutko
www.start.youravon.com
passcode: akrutko

Alexandra 7/22/92, Samantha 3/05/94, Olivia 9/05/00, Daniel (Ds) 11/06/04

pookeymom · Posted: August 04 2007, 7:03 PM Post subject:

I have enjoyed reading other people's stories, feeling, struggles, and hopes. I was amazed how some of the stories brought out AH HA moments in me, like it made me realize, yeah thats me too!

Its an amazing book and I have recommended to it several people and plan on purchasing a few to hand out to new moms in the area. The local hospital has bought several to have on hand and the Pittsburgh Down Syndrome Clinic will be handing them out as well.. GREAT JOB to all you contributors!

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Stacy, Mom to Tristin 12, Camille 8, Elijah 6, Caleb and Isaac 4

Stephanie · Posted: August 06 2007, 11:22 PM Post subject:

wow. it has really been a wonderful experience. I was blessed to be a part of the tv interview that Nancy got together and also was interviewed by our local paper...walking into the nail salon I got recognized (by the TV interview) and everyone was asking about the book. I told a group of woman all about my experience with a few tears being shed by all. I told them all they needed to go out and buy the book and 2 days later our local B&N sold out all 12 copies they had in the store...LOL
I am so happy to have been a part of this...I just can't wait for the day that our book is in every doctor's office. I have made that my personal local goal!

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Joey 3/8/97
Megan, DS 11/8/03
Olivia 7/6/05

jennifergg · Posted: August 08 2007, 3:28 PM Post subject:

Thanks for joining in, Ava and Stacy!

And thanks for your input, Stephanie (Slow Motion, Ch. 42) and you also mention Nancy (A Hopeful Future, Ch. 30.

_________________
Jennifer Graf Groneberg