Life With Charley: A Memoir of Down Syndrome Adoption

Ya'll, you need to read this book. This is a memoir of an adoption, a Down Syndrome adoption to be more specific. Sherry chronicles her and her husband's decision to not only adopt a baby but to adopt a baby boy born with DS. The stories she tells are honest, at times heart-breaking, but overall full of joy and love. The little things that most parents take for granted as your children get older (like leaving them unattended for hours on end because you need a break) parents of special needs children cannot always do. It will give you a new-found respect for parents or caregivers in similar situations. That aside, Sherry is a very talented author. Not only does she have a great story to tell, but she is a great storyteller. I recommend this for parents, adoptive parents, adoptive parents of special needs children, really anyone that wants to read a touching, funny, moving, and joyful memoir. You won't regret it.

'Life with Charley' by Sherry McCaulley Palmer is packed full of Love, Patience, and Love. And, oh, did I say Patience? Sherry tells a no-holds-barred memoir of rearing a Down Syndrome baby turned man. When she and her husband Brad adopted baby Charley they signed up for his lifetime. God smiles on their patience with this big bundle of dancing joy, who stubbornly refuses to shower, loves the girls, and wants everyone to celebrate his birthday every day. Sherry meets all the challenges with a sense of humor unmatched by any professional comedianne. Sherry's husband Brad is her supportive life-line most of the time unless his ministerial duties take priority. They both have learned unique ways to control Charley's behavior while simultaneously allowing him to be himself. I am in awe of their parenting skills. This should be required reading for anyone contemplating raising a Down Syndrome child. You may laugh and cry while reading the Palmer's story, but you will be rewarded with a better view of love manifested.