• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Momma 'N Manila

Growing through parenting

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Nourish
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Cheers
    • Guest Recipes
  • Advocate
    • Autism
    • Best Buddies
    • Down Syndrome
    • Special Needs
  • Gather
    • Crafternoons
    • Entertaining at Home
    • Events
    • Mothers Who Brunch
    • DIY
  • Review
    • 4 KIDS
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Home & Hearth
    • Health & Beauty
    • Giveaways
    • Fashion
  • Nurture
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Yoga
  • MWB

Down Syndrome Parenting

#28DaysofAwareness February 6th

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?

I want to pay forward even if it is in small amounts.  When JJ was younger, I struggled with therapy because he frequently got sick.  Therapy was very expensive and assistance was limited.  A co-parent also offered me assistance financially. That is the reason I was able to afford JJ’s therapy for two years. 
 
For this reason a portion of the proceeds from the sale of my book will go to The DSAPI CEBU Chapter.
 
 I dream of selling more books, so that I could also give more.  I felt JJ was born so I can share with the world that having a child with special needs is a blessing and is worth celebrating.  
 
Why did you write your book? What made you want to open up to the public about something that many consider personal?
 
I went through a lot when JJ was born.  I had my weakest moment when I found out he had Down Syndrome.  I almost lost my sanity and was angry with the world.  I felt betrayed. I felt alone. I happened to read the poem about Italy and Holland which made me realize I have  to stand up for my son or nobody else will.  
 
I chose to pick up my broken pieces and start all over again.  I read books, surfed the net and asked people for insight, so I can give him the best that I could.
 
All these experiences are treasures.  
 
I know that I was chosen for a purpose. I would jot down small notes on my phone while accompanying JJ to school and therapy.  I felt that through writing, I will be able to share a message that it is okay to be a special mom.  
 
It is okay to have a special child and if you decide to follow and accept the mission of special parenthood, everything else will fall into place.  You will be given the things that you need.
 
You just have to say YES!
 
What has been your most challenging moment to date?
 
To give JJ the best education. It is very difficult to find one that is near home and affordable.
 
How did you deal with that challenge?
 
I collaborate with his teachers and therapists.  I always follow up with them, and we complete a home program as well.
 
If you were to tell your younger self three things at the moment of JJ’s diagnosis what would they be?
 
  • 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.
What is one piece of advice you would give a new momma with a child of diagnosis of Down Syndrome?
 
Do not worry. Everything will fall into place in the right time.
 
 
Where can people buy your book?
 
They can visit my FB Page: Life with JJ: Lessons from a Special Mom.  They can send me a message so I can pre order it for them and deposit payment details at our BDO Account. Account Name: Jerry Maque Account Number: 007610054590
 
Candice is generously sharing a signed copy of her book with one of my readers. I will draw one winner at the end of the month through Rafflecopter.
 
All you have to do:
  1. Like her page Life with JJ: Lessons from a Special Mom
  2. Invite your friends to like her page

Good Luck!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related


« #28DaysofAwareness February 5th
#28DaysofAwareness February 7th »

Comments

  1. Hermelina D. Ressa says

    March 6, 2017 at 3:27 am

    Very touching article Mish!

Hello and Welcome!


Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
READ MORE

You can also say hi or email me at mish@mommanmanila.com

Twitter

Tweets by @mishaventajado

Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • Our Dental Experience at Affinity Dental, One Bonifacio High Street
  • Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • A Grapeful Summer with Taste Australia
  • Suite Treat Mommy Weekend at Marco Polo Manila

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • Angelie G. Y. Melsbo on LUMOS RAY Projector Review

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @mommanmanila

mommanmanila

It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...