A disappointing book. I expected a story about the family, including the child with Down's Syndrome. But it was nothing but the mother feeling sad and angry and complaining. She complains about every reaction anyone had, no one could do it right. There is much focus on the downsides and all the things that are different for Caoimhe,

I would have liked to read about the daily business of the family, including the 2 sisters. But we stayed mostly in the mother's head.

The author has the ability to see the differing attitudes and effect it has on others lives. It was sad to hear that Caiomhe' diagnosis and treatment was often very negative by the medical field whom we think would support and be encourage the family. I found the book became repetitive and for me it lost some of the impact.

An emotionally raw and courageous account of a life changing experience... in a super quick and compelling read. A look into the confusing journey the author traveled (and perhaps, is still traveling) as a mother. The writing is heartfelt and Ms. House doesn't hold back. With amazing levity, the book touches on immense subjects like grief, love, guilt, changing family dynamics, depression, the Modern Medicine Machine, belief in God, and also how to navigate grocery shopping when emotions are high and patience is low; something most anyone can relate to! I read this book in one sitting and found myself wanting to know more - dig deeper into some of the many challenges and realizations Ms. House explores with grace that comes from vulnerability and perspective. The book is also beautifully constructed with relevant photographs to set the tone at the start of each chapter.

This book was a raw look into the life of a parent who's child has Down Syndrome. It honestly looks at the struggle Heather felt in accepting that things don't always go the way you planned them and that parenting (to children both with and without special needs) is all about being flexible. Through the whole book, you could feel the love that Heather has for Fern, as well as her other children. It was a great, easy read.

A very touching story of the life of Danny, who is born with Down Syndrome. Danny leads an amazing life, full of sports and people. Well worth the time to read.

Coming on the heels of a world-wide media introduction to Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's baby, who has Down syndrome, Kathryn Lynard Soper's memoir should be on every public library's shelf. With some 5000 children born with DS each year in the U.S. alone, and a 90 percent abortion rate for those diagnosed prenatally, this is an important book. While offering hope and encouragement, Soper dispels some of the myths about DS, including the adage that special children are given to special people. She didn't feel chosen by a magic wand or divine intervention. DS is a random occurrence, about one in 800-1000 births. Soper's honesty about her initial feelings of disappointment, resentment, inadequacy, discomfort around people with disabilities, despair, even embarrassment, is commendable. Her words are a gift to anyone facing the fear and uncertainty that come with raising a child with special needs of any kind.

Soper's prose is compelling and endearing, but for me, the most poignant words in her story come from her husband, Reed. On the Mormon occasion called the Baby Blessing (baptism is at age eight), he holds his seventh child and recites blessings that sum up the family's acceptance, love, and dedication to Thomas. He blesses the baby for his unique mission here on earth; that of teaching them how to love each other. He asks that the family be able to bear any burdens placed on them by Thomas's health. He ends with, "And, Thomas, we say unto you, we say that any good thing denied you in this life will be given in the life to come."

I was left with the feeling that Thomas is in capable and nurturing hands.

I polished this off in an afternoon. Opened my eyes and heart wider to the possibilities for growth through trials for all of us as humans, and to our capacity to love. Very tender, a little bleak at times, very hopeful at times, maybe a little too analytical/philosophical at times (pot -> kettle: black), and not sentimental. Recommended.

I also very much enjoyed Soper's essay compilations, "Gifts" and "The Mother in Me." (she was the editor and wrote I think one essay for each.)