In Amanda’s section of this chapter she talks about fear and how Nancy helped her overcome it. Is there something your loved one is or has been afraid of? How have you worked to assuage those fears? “The fact that…
This chapter describes the frustration and pain that comes from a series of misdiagnosis and failed doctor visits. As a caregiver, have you experienced anything like this? Do you have access to specialists in your area? As her father’s health…
Amanda describes how she takes care of her father in her mother’s absence. One of the things that people say about people with Down syndrome is that they are very empathetic. While I’m normally not a proponent of generalizations about…
Nancy talks about having to step in after her mother’s death. She says that she doesn’t resent her siblings, but readers may doubt that based on what she writes. Have you ever felt resentment about your responsibilities as a caregiver?…
Grizzly Adams Amanda and Nancy share memories of watching television together. Most people I know who have Down syndrome have great imaginations and connect to fictional characters they watch on TV. Does your loved one have a favorite show? How…
Amanda talks about her boyfriends Red and Todd. How did you feel about her descriptions of her relationships? What was your reaction to Nancy’s story about how their father decided to have Amanda’s tubes tied? “Her social life ended…