Journey with Jeff. Inspiration for Caregivers of People with Special Needs

Customer Reviews

Amazing faith

2008-01-31
I read this book cover to cover in a very short time. Sybil writes in a manner that makes it so that you can't wait to see what happens next.
I was continually awed by the amazing faith she and Bob showed through out their time with Jeff. From the reluctant acceptance that their son Jeff had a problem through dealing with medical people where some showed an "holier than thou" attitude to those that were a tremendous help. The book will make you cry, laugh and gnash your teeth in frustration with "the system".

Charley Duschen

Very Touching!

2007-12-30
I loved this book! As a therapist that works with Special Needs children, this story really touched my heart! I felt for the family and all they went through. I liked the poems especially. I will be sharing this book with friends and co-workers. I'm sure they will want to buy one!

Heartfelt and honest book!

2008-05-08
My friends in Rochester sent me this book after reading about it in their local Sunday paper. We are raising a 2-1/2, very spirited and loving son with DS and, although it's frustrating at times with the extra time needed for various therapies, dr. appts., etc., the joy he brings our lives far outweighs any of those frustrating moments. My friends thought they were sending me a book that would just be an enjoyable read. What they - and I - didn't realize is the impact it would have on my heart! The author tells it like it is and doesn't sugarcoat anything: her sense of loss after learning that Jeff had DS. The anger she felt with people who treated Jeff like a "non-person" ....and the love and appreciation for those who loved him as much as she did. Even the frustration she sometimes felt with the doctors and Jeff's limited abilities. And ALWAYS the joy and faith she had in the Lord and His never failing ability to confirm that He was in control. No matter how difficult things were, she always praised and thanked the Lord for confirmation that Jeff was serving a very important purpose on this Earth: to spread unconditional love to everyone he met. The book is easy to read yet has the ability to profoundly impact your life. Personally, it has helped me realize that I have spent the last 2-1/2 years believing that my son would be the "exception". And he very well may be; no one knows God's plans for our lives. But Sybil's book has helped me "ground" me in more realistic goals for his future and prepare me in case he isn't the exception. She is openly honest about the difficulties of raising a child with special needs and for that I am very grateful. I can only say "Thank you!" to Sybil for being so honest and open and for sharing her heart. I feel like I know her just by reading her story. The book is a "must read" for anyone with a young special needs child, especially if they haven't had much contact with other parents or support groups.

Amazing Story by an Amazing Lady!

2008-05-06
This is an amazing story of love, commitment, and faith! Having known the author and her family for several years, we know how determined Sybil was to tell Jeff's story--would that we could all reach such an ambitious goal as she has done with "Journey with Jeff." For those who don't know, the contents of this book were originally narrated by the author in a set of CD's. They are great, also and could be used as a wonderful teaching tool. We, however, appreciate the book form and keep going back to it for inspiratioin and memories of Jeff and his family.

A Great Book To Introduce People to People With Disabilities

2008-04-17
The author begins this book by describing the days before she knew her very young son "needed to be seen by a specialist" and then brings you through her personal experiences of caring and advocating for her child though out his all too short life. Journey with Jeff is a book that gives the reader an intimate look at the life of a beautiful and challenging person with developmental disabilities. It is very well written and it will move you. It is the perfect book for anyone who is, or expects to be, a parent or a caregiver of people. It is a fascinating look at human nature, as the reader can begin to understand the human experience through the interactions with Jeff by the many different people who touched Jeff's life in so many ways; more often than not positive and a few not so positive. Mostly this book will inspire the reader by witnessing this family's strength, persistence and faith in God, as they helped Jeff make his contributions to this world and live his life. Each chapter will give the reader a new insight into what life was like as Jeff and his family struggled with the many challenges they faced including, living with a serous seizure condition and the many resulting injuries, the efforts to learn the many skills and activities that most of us take for granted, the heart breaking good-byes when Jeff stayed in the hospital or moved to a special school or home to help him grow and, most gratifying, the many feelings of joy and jubilation when Jeff achieved a milestone. As a person who has worked in the human services field for many years (decades), I whole-heartedly recommend that everyone read this book. If you do, I know that you will be a better and more enlightened person for it.

Hope This Gets Out to Those Who Really Need It

2008-04-04
The author tell's it like it is. How important it is to help your child to become all that they are capable of becomming, and to let them do things for themselves even when it would be so much easier to do it for them. And that it is normal for a caregiver to get frustrated and angry sometimes.
She shares the many joys that Jeff brought to her family. With their great faith in God and their love for their child, they raised a fine young man.
I sincerely hope and pray that this book reaches those who need it most.

Very Impressed!

2008-03-19
Carol Brehse, 86 years old says, "Once I started reading "Journey With Jeff" I didn't want to put it down. I stayed up later than usual to finish it last night. I liked the format -- short episodes. It's a book anyone who has a child should read whether their child is disabled or not, to become more understanding, sympathetic and helpful to those who have to deal with the added time it takes in their care, and on their own health. I loved the picture on the cover -- Jeff is so handsome! The older we get we can look back and see how our Lord has helped us overcome and endure, in joy and in sadness, because we have learned through experience it is the only way. Praise the Lord!"