Grit, Generosity, Gratitude

GRIT

In our society, when we hear the word ‘grit,’ we often think of that John Wayne movie, True Grit or, at the very least consider that ‘grit’ is generally associated with strong males. In late August, I taught a workshop on writing and had the opportunity to read a portion of my memoir to a wonderful audience of readers at the McKinney Literary Fest. At the reading, I was privileged to meet other published authors who also shared their works; one of whom was a plucky woman named Linda Bonner.

Thirty-five years ago, Linda delivered a beautiful baby boy who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. While I know quite a few individuals who have children with Down Syndrome, I don’t know many who have published their journeys. Linda has done just that, and as she read an excerpt from her book, I was moved to tears. So, let me just say that Linda should be the real star of True Grit, not John Wayne. Linda’s book (I’m sharing the link and hope you will purchase a copy) truly serves as a guide for parents who struggle with the challenges of a child with Down Syndrome. As many of you are aware, October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, so I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you two questions I posed to Linda, as well as her response to those questions.

Question 1: As a mother, what do you feel is the most misunderstood thing about children (or adults) with Down Syndrome.

Linda’s Response: People assumed because my son had Down Syndrome, he wasn’t capable of understanding, communicating, interacting—and they were wrong!

Questions 2: Looking back, what do you wish a younger version of yourself would have known at the time of Kevin’s diagnosis.

Linda’s Response: That I didn’t have to do this on my own. No one talked to me about available resources or support outside of our local Down Syndrome guild. There are so many national Down Syndrome organizations that have incredible resources that would have been so helpful when Kevin was young. I love to share these resources with families today and to help them build a fulfilling life for their child and their family.

In her book, Linda has included a goldmine of information for families seeking information about Down Syndrome. Here is the link to her book.

https://www.amazon.com/Blessed-Extraordinary-resources-families-Syndrome-ebook/dp/B0CR8LT1DD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YO5AH5X2RGR9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4NRDDB9YK0_VTV3Krzji25EBhoA9F9shvnj9kxP0wAm7cqUkdn3ZMBPA56E7fxWILz3WDKziHTehN2rKwxVZOomXOlLEYisRGL6SeG69MtpB7BRQud8E3iG2dLktuNmy1CphJT-DQUuLNHt8LgxwyCOhCHrTWVmsnZhqOxF33sfni_e2CO2avWdjsyvjZDd1BuzRTveMLXHetyJJ5ClMwKg4YdTYN0x5KDYDTSXUguI.TIBgCc-NAxjVXOgXug5-UVSFtqiNQZPbX1Ojs0DxW4w&dib_tag=se&keywords=by+linda+bonner&qid=1727720835&s=books&sprefix=by+linda+bonner%2Cstripbooks%2C152&sr=1-1 

For those of you who are interested, my church (creekwoodumc.org) in Allen, Texas has monthly activities for adults with special needs. The program is six years old and going strong. I highly recommend that you hop over to the church website and read more about this amazing program. The name of our program is Open Doors, and we are always looking for volunteers!

GENEROSITY

Given the Halloween season is upon us, I absolutely had to share this amazing picture that my daughter-in-law, Kelly Kiser took of her youngest two kids trick or treating in Morgantown, WV last year. I adore it because it truly shows how much senior citizens enjoy handing out candy to the trick or treaters. This sweet lady looks as though she’s enjoying this more than the children. If you haven’t stocked up on candy for your trick or treaters, now might be the time to do that!

If your church or school is hosting a Trunk or Treat activity for children in your community, I hope you’ll consider giving generously. To this day, I remember with fondness, my days of trick or treating back in Minnesota. And I can attest to the fact that I still recall who my most generous neighbors were. One of my favorite neighbors was Owney Lugar. She gave out tons of a candy bar called LUNCH BOX. She dumped a bunch of them into my pillowcase. Of course, back then, they cost three cents per bar. Yeah—I’m old!

GRATITUDE

Beginning today, October 1st, I’ll be offering tips on memoir writing; one per day on Facebook. If we’re not FB pals, be sure to friend me so you can get some free advice. Here’s a picture of a classmate from high school who is also on the Class of 1966 Reunion Committee with me. Sandie Ordahl read my book on how to write a memoir and has already finished her first draft of her own memoir. I am so grateful for Sandie’s friendship over the years and her memoir will be fabulous. I cannot wait to read it!

I’m crossing my fingers that many of you will read my daily tips on memoir writing during the month of October and will end up writing your own story! Always keep in mind that I’m here to help with that! And if you really get stuck, grab a copy of this book that is helping folks write their memoirs. You can email me at: gaykiser@msn.com

And, as always, I welcome reviews on any of the ten books I have available on Amazon!

 Have a fabulous October and we'll see y'all next month!

Gay Ann