Yesterday Doug called me from work, after the mega dentist appointment, to say that I had a message at the office. Some one had called there looking for me, because she had read the book and wanted to talk to me. If you Google my name, Doug's company website comes up listing me as an employee (yeah, I haven't worked there in 2 yrs and it hasn't been updated!) It was a local phone number, so I called her back to see who it was.
She said, "I just had a son with Down syndrome on December 3rd and was given a copy of Gifts. I flipped through it, looking at all the photos, then I turned back to read your story because of the photo. When I saw that your bio says you live in Hutchinson, I couldn't believe the odds that your story was the one I stopped to read first."
We spent the next 20 minutes talking about her son, his birth, health and pregnancy. We discovered that our kids go to the same elementary school (different grades.) She is breastfeeding her son and he is nursing well. I offered to meet with them when they are up to visitors and she is eager to meet. It was so nice to hear that my essay had an impact!
This is Joyce. What a beautiful connection. I really need to get a copy of Gifts to read. I just got an extra 15% off coupon at Barnes & Noble so I think I will head over there.
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh about your name on your husband's company website. Ditto the same story here. Although my husband is about at the begging on both knees stage. He really needs about three people yesterday because he keeps taking on new clients. I suggest he call the college gals that are on their way home right now for break and need cash.
That is a wonderful story! I am happy she had some one to call and talk to and that you will be meeting her soon.
ReplyDeleteThe facts--we want our company to appear REALLY HUGE, so we have left your name on the roster!
ReplyDeleteThe book Gifts was such a help to me when my Ruby was born.She had to stay in NICU for 2 weeks and so I went to Barnes and Noble and bought all the books I could find on Down Syndrome.I just read and read while I wasn't at the hospital.Gifts is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteOh, your essay had an impact! It was one of my favourite ones in the Gifts book, because of the breastfeeding aspect... I loved the photo of Sean nursing, and knowing you managed to get him to latch on after such a long time is making me think there is hope that I will be able to breastfeed my adopted baby when she gets here.
ReplyDeleteso yeah, it made a difference :)