Who Said I Can't? - Paperback

by Roslyn Charnock (Author)

When I gave birth, I was already grieving for the death of my younger brother. We had one child and as we were not in any high-risk category, we did not expect to have a baby with Down's Syndrome. Even though initially it was a shock and we grieved, with time there have been treasures and experiences along the way. It was very much unchartered waters, trying to give them room to move without rapping them up in cotton wool. I have written about the grey areas, not sure when to hold and when to let go!

I would like to let other new parents know, feel and experience our lives, our fortunes, and our tribulations; providing an understanding of life as a family which includes two lads with Down's Syndrome; and looking at life through their eyes. You know it is beautiful behind those eyes. You will see their gentleness, their kindness, their love, their laughter with their wicked sense of humour. Maybe they don't always problem solve with consequences in mind, but nevertheless they problem solve. It makes for an interesting life and interesting reading. They have taught us so much.

If this is a journey your life is taking you on, and decisions are hard to make, I urge you to read this book. It is meant to support new parents, family members, and interested people showing the positives and negatives of life. It is very dependent on your own perspective, which way you care to look at it.

I have shown many events which are quite funny, many which could have been serious, and many problem-solving skills they have learnt.

While they are young men now with good independent lives, I have shared their growing up, their school Years, their adulthood. I believe I have captured their wicked sense of humour, their personalities and their achievements. They are so much fun to be around.

We have plans in place which have enabled us to enjoy our lives, enjoy our older years, knowing that their siblings can enjoy their independent brothers, without burdens being enforced on them.

Positive Ions you might say.