One of the things that I love about social media and the internet in general, is finding gems.
These gems are other parents who are fighting the same fight that I do every day of Gelli’s life.
I say it’s a “fight” for a couple of different reasons.
I fight to create an awareness that a child with Down Syndrome is no different than you and I.
I fight to end the stigma associated with special needs in general.
I fight in the hopes that Gelli will one day be given the chance to an education equal to the education her peers with 46 chromosomes are offered.
I fight side by side with the other parents whom I have met along the way, who “get it,” and who in their own way contribute to our cause in each of their own special ways.
I’d like to introduce you to Candice Grace Maque.
Candice contacted me last month in the hopes that I would pre order her book she wrote as an ode to parents everywhere who have a child with Down Syndrome.
She asked me if I would be interested in purchasing her book, LIFE WITH JJ, LESSONS FROM A SPECIAL MOM.
Of course, I told Candice I would make a deposit to her BDO account to reserve my copy.
I asked Candice if it would be ok to share a little bit about her and her journey with JJ, here on the blog for you to read. I am pleased to say that she was agreeable and more than accommodating to share. I mean, she DID just write a book documenting the things she learned from JJ, right?
How did you come up with the idea to share your story with JJ?
The book started in my FB posts. I just felt that I needed to write reflections as a special mother since many thinks that it is a burden. I wanted to celebrate that I was given a special son and for me, it is a privilege to be one of the chosen few. Many people noticed my posts and one Facebook friend commented that I should publish my thoughts. At that time, I replied that I did not have the capacity to publish, due to financial demands. But my Facebook friend commented that he can help, because he works in a US based publishing company, who happens to hold office here in Cebu as well.
The rest is history. I did not have to spend anything except for the book orders that I arranged for in order to sell at this year’s Happy Walk.
Can you explain the “give back” feature to buying your book?
- Your worries are not true.
- Cry if you must. You deserve that but do not stay there. Special parenthood is too precious for you to waste your time on being depressed.
- You will smile again.
- Like her page Life with JJ: Lessons from a Special Mom
- Invite your friends to like her page
Good Luck!
Very touching article Mish!