Customer Reviews
This is THE book for new parents to read 
2008-04-25
When I found out my daughter had Ds (at her birth), I was initially devestated. My fears drove me to devour anything written about Ds, and my sister ordered several books from Amazon while I was still recovering in the hospital. Most of the books detailed the medical and developmental issues many children with Ds face, and I found them disheartening. I finally had to put them aside and just focus on loving my daughter and getting to know her. I wish I had read THIS book at that time, as I would have found much comfort in it. My daughter is now 4-years-old and she truly is a rare gift. I would highly recommend this book for new (and not so new!) parents, grandparents, etc. TEN STARS!!!
Such a beautiful book 2008-03-21
I am a new(ish) mother of a beautiful little 11 month old baby girl who has down syndrome. I have never been able to finish a book on ds as I always found them upsetting and depressing but this book was quite simply THE most beautiful & moving book on the subject I have ever read. As the other reviewers said, I could only read a few stories at a time with a big box of tissues beside me as I inevitably ended up crying, but they were tears of empathy and joy and I felt so lucky & proud to have my little princess sleeping in the next room that a few times I almost went in to cuddle her while she was asleep just from reading about the other very special little children. This is an amazing book, I wish I had had it in those first few terrible, bleak, dark months of trying to adjust to her diagnosis. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
A Mom's Choice Awards Recipient! 2008-03-20
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 includes: 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 Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and 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 has been honored by this distinguished award.
Moving and Inspirational 2008-02-09
Absolutely phenomenal and beautifully written, inspirational book of essays from mothers with children who happened to be born with Down Syndrome... Many stories included the parents' "shock" after learning of the diagnosis but every story demonstrates the consistent acceptance and love of their beautiful children regardless of the diagnosis. I have identical twins with DS and this book was a bastion of hope amidst many amazingly dismal books about the down-side and "typical" delays my boys would face instead of and the very happy and high-quality life that is possible. Every parent of a child born with Down Syndrome should receive a copy of this book upon the birth of their special child.
An amazing Gift 2007-12-31
I first became aware of this book because many of the contributors are friends of mine. I thought it would be a nice book and fun to read my friends' stories. I was FLOORED by it. I began to cry as soon as I opened the cover and didn't stop until I'd read it all. The stories are funny, sad, heartwarming, thoughtful, encouraging, inspiring, touching, honest....a lot like our kids with DS. I have given several as gifts, including to my daughter's (who has DS) grandparents. It should be required reading for all OB/GYNs and Pediatricians, as well as any family with a new DS diagnosis.
Not just for the DS community! 2007-12-28
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.
Uplifting Reading 2007-11-27
As the Grandmother of our wonderful new baby grandson of six weeks I was anxious to find out as much as I could about Down Syndrome. However, I did not want to be swamped with so much information that might be more off putting than helpfull at this vulnerable time. Then I found this lovely book ``Gifts``where in every story told by mothers there was love and hope and great happiness. Reading the experiences of these families and how they coped with different situations made me laugh and cry but most of all what came through to me was the unfailing determination to allow the children to live a happy and fulfilled life. This book is a great insight into the lives of families with childrern with special needs and the wonderful opportunities that are available for them. I found this book very uplifting and positive - it leaves me looking forward to the future knowing that we have all the ingredients in our family to make a great life for our grandson ; A fantastic Mam and Dad, two older brothers and a big family that loves him very much.
Gifts 2007-10-06
I love this book. I have a little boy with Down syndrome, and each mother's story resonated with me. Unlike some of the material out there, this book didn't shy away from the darkest fears and negative or downright ugly thoughts that parents of children with disabilities cycle through. The stories are so honest and heartfelt, and they helped me feel that we're not alone, and that we will be okay. The book is generally about Down syndrome, but the focus always comes back to the fact that we are talking about children first.
we need more books like this 2007-09-10
this is a poignant collection of real life stories that celebrate the dignity and worth of all human beings. We need more books like this to underline the value of differences and to acknowledge the courage and strength of families who deal with special needs children.
Gifts 2007-08-24
This book is on the top of my list of books to reccomend. I really related to this book and found exellent resources because of it. This book is really the best and should be passed around in ob offices before someone makes the mistake of abortion. Down's sydrome is the best thing that ever happened to me and my son. He is the love of my life and I wouldn't change a single thing about him, he is a complete joy.
