Tuesday, November 16, 2010

For the Love


Gina and Sarina are sisters, one born with Down syndrome, the other born to care for her, both inseparable and as dependent on her sibling as the other. Gina Favazza Rowland, one of my Facebook friends, has recently published a book of her life with Sarina, as the sister born with a purpose. For the Love follows their journey from childhood to adulthood, the ups and downs, the struggles with family, the struggles with “the system,” the road to independence for each, and the unwavering love between them through it all. The title holds dual meaning; as an exclamation of frustration and as a constant reminder of how they are bound together forever, and these two meanings are woven beautifully through the story.

For the Love should be required reading for anyone going into any field that involves caring for people with "different" abilities, to remind them of the beauty of the human spirit, of the capabilities and the possibilities that exist within everyone, and of the non-negotiable need for dignity and respect. The book pleads with caregivers to remember those things, to help to make changes to the system that was created to help and protect, but often serves only to confound and damage. I am grateful for the wisdom found here, the stark warning to parents just starting out on this journey, that information will not be handed to us. That nothing will be easy (think Medicaid and HIPP, folks!). That there will always be obstacles. That we have to rely on each other to find the way.

As someone who has barely had time to read a newspaper, let alone a book in recent years, I couldn’t put this one down. It made me smile, made me hold my breath in fear of what would happen next, made me angry, inspired me, made me love these two women and all that they have fought for and accomplished so far in their lives. I hope one day to meet them both, to learn from them, and celebrate the indomitable spirit they possess.

You can buy a copy from Amazon.com here. I hope you’ll all share the journey!

7 comments:

Heather said...

Thanks for the book tip.I am always looking for a good book.Of any kind really.Seem to find them but the time to read them remains my greatest foe.Will certainly check this one out.

Had to laugh at the last post.I of course find it funny and smart and extremely typical.Much like the countless scenes an the Buddy Walk,with numerous child/teenagers echoing similar statements,while often waging a stand off,literally, with an opposing parent.Smiled then.Smiled now.

Unknown said...

thanks! I know where to use my amazon gift card!! smiles

tekeal said...

thank you so much for this info. i will definitely get it in my hands soon... take care!

Lacey said...

Oh thanks for showing this book! I need something new to read, since I finished the Twilight series for the second time!

Anna said...

Looks like a great book. Am definitely going to buy this one!

Crazy Beautiful Love said...

Thanks for the book information. One of the struggles I face is the time I spend questioning the type of relationship my two girls will have with each other. I am ever so grateful to find sister stories to help ease my mind.
Plus, you are so right! I work as a counselor and until my newest daughter was born, I knew nothing. My years of training and degrees did not prepare me for the awareness I need.

Jen Currier said...

Sounds SO good- it's going on my list right away! When I first got the prenatal diagnosis that my baby had Down syndrome, I worried about what that would mean for my older son. But, I have already seen the gentleness and care that it has taught my oldest and I think that his baby brother will teach him many of the best lessons...