In recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Month I am going to give away a copy of my novel, The Upside of Down. While my book does have a sub-plot about DS, it is not about DS. The story is about an LDS woman who thinks she has indestructible faith until her life is turned upside down and she must decide whether or not she still has faith. The title is a play on words.
Too many people still have misconceptions about Down syndrome. I didn't know much about it until I had to learn. Since then, I've realized that people with DS are much more like those of us without it than not. They have distinct personalities, likes and dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, talents, dreams, struggles, etc. Because their struggles are more visible, they tend to be targets of ridicule and name-calling. Many people in our society are still ignorant of what people with DS can do and how people with DS can make the world a better place.
We become so focused on perfection we fail to see the blessings of imperfections. Currently, the medical profession is working to eliminate DS from our society. Not by curing it, but by preventing it through abortion. Specialized testing is now available earlier in pregnancy so more pregnancies diagnosed with DS can be terminated thereby practicing selective birthing.
The message: those with DS are sub-human and should not be allowed to live simply because they have an extra chromosome. Sounds Hitleresque to me.
I want to make people aware that while parenting a child with DS has its unique challenges, it also has great and wonderful blessings. I can't imagine my life without my son. I have found great joy in the simple things I took for granted with my other kids. I have learned patience and acceptance and total reliance on my Heavenly Father to guide me in how to best serve my son. I've learned things I did not learn with my previous nine children. My son's life has been a gift to me.
So, my gift to you is a chance to win a copy of my book. The contest will run through midnight, October 31st. I will use Random.org to choose a winner on November 1st. If you'd like to enter:
1. Become a follower--1 entry
and/or
2. Tell 3 friends about my book--1 entry
3. email me at talleyrl(AT)yahoo(DOT)com or leave a comment here to let me know what you did.
Thanks for your interest!
10 comments:
Hi Rebecca,
It sounds like a great book. I'm already a follower and I facebooked about it.
I can't see your followers tab right now, but I'm pretty sure I'm already one. I'm going to FB this right now.
I have three different neighbors with adult DS children in their homes. These are some of the sweetest, most special people I have ever met. I adore them all.
PS I already have a copy of your book, so I don't need to be entered in the contest.
I don't need to enter the contest either, but I am following your blog and I will tell my friends.
I would love to enter your contest. I just became a follower of your blog. Thank you for what you said about Down Syndrome. It is so important to remember that we are all important and have missions to perform here.
Hi Rebecca! I finally got the right button to come up and am now following your blog! What you have to say is so important! Thank you for saying it so well! hugs~
I'm a follower and would love to read your book. I've buzzed about it before and have had several people ask me about it, but will post another buzz on Tuesday.
And FB about it.
I did both! I can't tell you how much I love reading your books! This is one I haven't read yet, but one of these days...I will!!
I'm a follower.
reading_frenzy at yahoo dot com
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