A Road Map To Some Place Else
"There is nothing we like to see so much as the gleam of pleasure in a person's eye when he feels that we have sympathized with him, understood him. At these moments something fine and spiritual passes between two friends. These are the moments worth living." -- Don Marquis
The book arrived and I read it in less than twenty-four hours and that was on a busy weekend of attending Paralympic events. The past week has been dotted with moments of my trying to decide what to write...other than "read this now if you are a mom". Sure, it is a book written by a mom of a special needs child, but her words resonate with all moms. Words of reality...words of frustration...words of love...read them.
I keep thinking perhaps it is because of time spent in NICU with our oldest son...or the special needs diagnoses times three of our younger sons which my husband and I have faced and that exhaust us...but no. It is simply Jennifer's honest words about the moments of fear and uncertainty of motherhood.
The plan was I would ramble about the similarities of our experiences...our fears...our what-ifs...our unspoken hopes. The only thing I find to say is if there exists a writer able to more fluidly weave words...I've never read her work.
If you are a mom, read Road Map To Holland. If you are a mom of a special needs child...or perhaps like me, of several special needs children...read Road Map To Holland.
Thank you, Jennifer, for sympathizing with and understanding me. You have indeed shared your spirit, and that is a beautiful gift.
Note...If you are the parent of a child with Down Syndrome, the book's appendix offers a plethora of resources, additional reading titles and a glossary of terminology.
Jennifer is amazing. I'm glad you had a chance to read her book. :)
Posted by: killlashandra | May 06, 2008 at 09:39 AM
We LOVE Jennifer. She a sweet and kindred soul.
Posted by: Tammy and Parker | May 06, 2008 at 11:18 AM
I just have to say, you are awesome. (And I will so be getting this book, oh, TODAY!)
Posted by: Sara | May 06, 2008 at 11:37 AM
I have special boy named Andrew with downs, thanks for the info. I'll check it out!
Posted by: jennifer | May 06, 2008 at 03:55 PM
I have special boy named Andrew with downs, thanks for the info. I'll check it out!
Posted by: jennifer | May 06, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Thanks for the recommendation -- I have heard great things about this book, I might just have to go out and pick up a copy!
Posted by: Maggie | May 06, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Thank you, Melody, for sharing YOUR spirit, in this post, in your blog, and always.
xo
Posted by: jennifergg | May 06, 2008 at 05:54 PM
OMG, I just picked this book up today and have already read half of it. I basically cried through the first two chapters while my son was sitting three feet away watching Sponge Bob, probably wondering what was wrong with Mommy. It is an amazing book - I agree!!
Posted by: WherestheBox | May 06, 2008 at 11:23 PM
As the mom of a special needs child the book is on my must read list!
Posted by: Marie | May 07, 2008 at 03:15 AM