Home » free shipping » Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives Paperbackby Kathryn Lynard Soper (Author) , Martha Sears (Foreword)Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives Paperback

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Gifts is a poignant and inspirational collection of stories written by mothers of children with Down syndrome. These mothers, each with a unique story, graciously and honestly offer us a glimpse of their journey. Some describe the raw anguish felt upon learning that their child had Down syndrome, their sense of loss and even despair. Many speak of the fierce protection they provide their child in terms of advocacy and education of others, and how they, as mothers, have grown strong and assertive in providing for their children's needs. All talk of unyielding love and admiration for their children and the joy the children have brought to their lives.
Written to help others who are experiencing similar circumstances, Gifts explores relationships between a parent and child, with siblings and with the larger community. It tells of the 'light burning brightly' and 'the tiny hands of comfort' offered by the child with Down syndrome. It shares stories of families who are reveling in the journey that they had once feared.

This book will accompany the reader long after it is placed on the bookshelf. The advice and resources provided will help many, and the theme of determination will inspire all to cheer for those with Down's, as well as their families. A companion volume is in the works offering more stories of love, acceptance and hope.

I thoroughly enjoyed this paperback book. Not often can a book touch one s heart--I found, more than once, a tear in my eye and a smile on my lips. It is a testament to what can be accomplished with love, patience and determination and will be an invaluable resource for anyone associated with the care of individuals with Down syndrome. --ADVANCE for Occupational Therapy Practitioners, July 7, 2008

A beautiful book that provides insight into family life with Down syndrome; recommended for public libraries. --Library Journal Xpress Reviews, June 12, 2007

This fine book helps dispel the fear and misinformation about Down syndrome that many parents and prospective parents face. As these deft essays convey, the world would be a sweeter place with more Down syndrome citizens, not fewer. --George F. Will

GIFTS is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. 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 inlcudes: 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 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/product has been honored by this distinguished award. --Mom's Choice Awards

GIFTS is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. 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 inlcudes: 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 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/product has been honored by this distinguished award. --Mom's Choice Awards

About the Author

Kathryn Lynard Soper is the mother of seven children. Her youngest, Thomas, born in 2005, was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. Kathryn received a BA in English from Brigham Young University in 1993. She is president of Segullah Group, Inc., a non-profit producer of personal writings, and is editor of Segullah, a literary journal by and for Latter-day Saint (Mormon) women. She is currently writing a memoir about her first year with Thomas. Kathryn lives with her husband, Reed, and their children in the mountain west.

Gifts is a poignant and inspirational collection of stories written by mothers of children with Down syndrome. These mothers, each with a unique story, graciously and honestly offer us a glimpse of their journey. Some describe the raw anguish felt upon learning that their child had Down syndrome, their sense of loss and even despair. Many speak of the fierce protection they provide their child in terms of advocacy and education of others, and how they, as mothers, have grown strong and assertive in providing for their children's needs. All talk of unyielding love and admiration for their children and the joy the children have brought to their lives.
Written to help others who are experiencing similar circumstances, Gifts explores relationships between a parent and child, with siblings and with the larger community. It tells of the 'light burning brightly' and 'the tiny hands of comfort' offered by the child with Down syndrome. It shares stories of families who are reveling in the journey that they had once feared.

This book will accompany the reader long after it is placed on the bookshelf. The advice and resources provided will help many, and the theme of determination will inspire all to cheer for those with Down's, as well as their families. A companion volume is in the works offering more stories of love, acceptance and hope.

I thoroughly enjoyed this paperback book. Not often can a book touch one s heart--I found, more than once, a tear in my eye and a smile on my lips. It is a testament to what can be accomplished with love, patience and determination and will be an invaluable resource for anyone associated with the care of individuals with Down syndrome. --ADVANCE for Occupational Therapy Practitioners, July 7, 2008

A beautiful book that provides insight into family life with Down syndrome; recommended for public libraries. --Library Journal Xpress Reviews, June 12, 2007

This fine book helps dispel the fear and misinformation about Down syndrome that many parents and prospective parents face. As these deft essays convey, the world would be a sweeter place with more Down syndrome citizens, not fewer. --George F. Will

GIFTS is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. 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 inlcudes: 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 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/product has been honored by this distinguished award. --Mom's Choice Awards

GIFTS is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. 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 inlcudes: 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 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/product has been honored by this distinguished award. --Mom's Choice Awards


Kathryn Lynard Soper is the mother of seven children. Her youngest, Thomas, born in 2005, was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. Kathryn received a BA in English from Brigham Young University in 1993. She is president of Segullah Group, Inc., a non-profit producer of personal writings, and is editor of Segullah, a literary journal by and for Latter-day Saint (Mormon) women. She is currently writing a memoir about her first year with Thomas. Kathryn lives with her husband, Reed, and their children in the mountain west.