A New Song

About the Book

Was Chris's life valuable?

In the early years we were told society was changing towards those diagnosed with mental retardation, developmental disadvantages, and special needs. Encouraged to educate and train him to be socially acceptable, we believed he would become a contributing member of society. We spent large amounts of money, made great sacrifices, and gave 100% of ourselves so he would become a useful citizen. We were excited about his accomplishments and his eagerness to be accepted as a valuable participant in the world community.

As Chris's family we believed he would be welcomed as a neighbor, parishioner, guest, passenger, employee, and friend. There have been kind and generous people throughout Chris's life. Many accepted him. However, we did not find a welcoming world. We experienced deceit, exploitation, hypocracy and pain. Unfortunately, we live in a society that promotes eradication of unborn babies who might be born with similar handicaps.

During the last years of Chris's life he was happier and more independent. Hopefully, our story will help to generate increased acceptance of these special individuals and to discover the incredible value of their lives. Chris accepted and loved others unconditionally, living in a spirit of forgiveness and gratitude.

About the Author

1) When our toddler son, Chris, was diagnosed in 1960 as being mentally retarded, I could find no written material by other parents in the same situation. I searched everywhere for an article or book written by a parent on how to raise a child with such a disability. I was still searching when he reached the age of 7 and "hearing and speech impaired" were added to his diagnosis. I found nothing written by parents. That was the motivation for my first book, "Sing A New Song, The Story of a Mentally Retarded Boy Seeking Acceptance." It is the story of Chris's childhood with his family. I wrote "Sing A New Song II" to tell about Chris's adolescent years, sharing the feelings of Chris, his siblings and parents in both books. I never imagined writing a 3rd book, but wrote it in response to requests from other parents. A NEW SONG, The Last Years of Chris's Life" tells of his final happy and independent years, his sudden death, the reactions of his siblings and their families. Throughout the books, I tell it all as I experienced it and reveal our deepest thoughts and feelings. Widowed young, I compare those feelings of the children losing their father, with their grieving for their brother. 2) My only dream for myself was to be a wife and mother of a large family. My dream came true and it is still my fondest role. Widowed when I was 39 and my husband 42, our 21-year marrage had been delightful but ended abruptly. I gave birth to 9 children, with one girl stillborn. My children have been my purpose for each day and my happiness through the years. I've attended college and worked several various jobs, but motherhood has the most rewards for me. 3) I live in Colorado Springs , currently recovering from a near-fatal sepsis infection which, after 3 weeks on life support, left me with months of physical and occupational rehabilitation needed. The Pikes Peak community has been extremely kind and generous in helping me through it. From my apartment window I have a beautiful vew of majestic Pikes Peak in all its glory, lifting my spirits and strengthening my faith. I have survived cancer and other serious illnesses but my faith continues to increase and sustain me. My favorite pasttime is writing poetry, prayers, short stories and articles. My family has joyfully grown with 18 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.