Tuesday, June 30, 2009

"Brand NewMan: Reflections on Fatherhood and Down syndrome".

I found this on the Ds group I belong to and thought it was a good idea so I'm passing it along here.
I thought maybe some of you would know a Dad that would want to share his story with Mr .Mike Burgess for his book.His contact onfo is at the end of this post.

Many of you who have children with Down syndrome may be familiar with the book"Gifts", edited by Mrs. Kathryn Soper. If you are like me, the stories from allof the mothers out there were inspirational, and more than one has brought me totears. Knowing that there are others who have walked down the same path beforeme has been a blessing, especially in the beginning. One day, I sent Mrs. Soperan email asking whether there were plans for a book that focused more on afather's perspective. Her response was relatively simple: "No.....I hope you'llconsider creating the book you'd like to read." After much thought, I've decidedto do just that. I am looking for vignettes from fathers, brothers, uncles,grandfathers and self-advocates for "my" book. The working title is "Brand NewMan: Reflections on Fatherhood and Down syndrome". Write about what moves you,what inspires you, what you wished you'd known. I want this book to bring asense of peace to new fathers who are faced with the unknown, who arequestioning God and his infinite wisdom, and I want to reassure them that Downsyndrome is just one more way we are all the same and we are all different.People are people first, and my hope is that when this is all said and done,more people embrace this philosphy.You are welcome to pass this on to anyone who may be interested. If you have astory to tell, please feel free to contact me. Even if you don't, send me anemail letting me know what's on your mind. I will endeavor to answer every emailpromptly, but remember, I am a father and husband first, so it may take a day ortwo.Thanks.
And I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
Contact Info : Mike Burgess - mike.burgess@alumni.duke.edu or mike_burgess@comcast.net Phone# 864-314-3544

5 comments:

Stephanie said...

That is so awesome, good for you . I wish you the best of luck and would like to request a signed copy for my husband.
Dad's really need something just for them. I think a lot of the time attention is focused on the mom and the children, and the dad's kind of get forgotten, but they are going through everything too. The good and the bad.They have their stories to tell.

Cheryl said...

Stephanie,I apologize if it appeared that I was writing the book I edited my post and made sure to include the author's name which for some reason got left out on the contact info the first time I posted :)

Tausha said...

My husband would love to contribute but can't seem to get through with the link. He doesn't have a Yahoo password. Is there another way to contact this guy? Or can we submit something through you? My husbands email is dgdingman@comcast.net

Lacey said...

Hey do me a favor. Will you fill out a blankie request for Ruby so I have it on paper and I don't forget her.

Ria said...

I do hope Mike Burgess gets a lot of essays for this book. I posted it on my blog too in an effort to help spread the word. And I see you also have his updated email address. Great!
http://billandria.blogspot.com/2009/07/reflections-on-fatherhood-and-down.html