Every so often a life changing day occurs. Yesterday was one of them.
Yesterday my sister Holly met Alicia May.
The day started off early, with me picking up Holly at 7:30... We made it over to author Nancy Tupper Ling's home by 9.
The house quickly filled with people! Nancy, Alicia, her mom Cheri, her sisters Rachel and Taryn, their grandma Barb, Boston Globe columnist Bev Beckham, editor/ publisher Jean Cochran... Lou Marcoccio arrived with his camera....
We all came together to meet, to discuss the book My Sister, Alicia May and to compare the experiences we've had with Down syndrome and children of disabilities.
Jean brought with her copies of the book, fresh off the press, and they were quickly passed out and signed by Nancy and I.
Alicia read the book to her Grandma Barb.
By noon my day was only beginning. I had gamma testing and blood work waiting for me at Rhode Island Hospital. I got Holly back to her place by dinner.
.............
I can't express the love I feel in my heart for Alicia and her family! I'm delightfully planning a couple trips down to see her, to visit her school, to watch her ride horseback. I'm pleased to say Nancy's working on a sequel.
Shennen,
Your illustrations came to life for us and we continue to be touched by the book. We have been sharing it with so many people here on Whidbey Island (near Seattle). Our son Lucas has Down Syndrome and is 12 years old. When he was first born, our trip to the library was so discouraging, as the majority of books and literature on the shelves was from the 70's and early 80'. So much more has come out since that time; we have you and Nancy to thank in such a big way!
We wondered if you had photographs you looked at in order to make the beautiful illustrations. The lighting was captured so well and the facial expressions on each person's face is so very real. Thank you for touching our family. We are definitely encouraging friends, family and neighbors to buy this book for the holidays!
Posted by: Kristi & Mike Etzell family | November 23, 2009 at 05:00 PM