Momma 'N Manila

Growing through parenting

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


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