I stand behind what I said when I originally read this book...

I cannot remember if I commented on whether or not the Geraldi's were a family in the original threads. It may be true that the Geraldi's adopted each of the children. Legally they are a "family". I am sure they love the children, however, the family is managed more as an institution than a family. I do not doubt that some of these children are better off in the Geraldi's home.

It is hard to remember all of the details of the book, since it has been so long I read the it. (Fortunately,I borrowed it from the library and didn't waste any of my money on a book I really did not like at all.) I do however remember the young couple in the airport and I still believe they should have been offered further options. Camille did nothing to make the parents think that they could take care of this baby. (or if she did it was not evident from the book)

I am the one that made the comments about snorting and your comments do not convince me otherwise. Snorting is not a symptom of Down syndrome. I would also like to add that my son with Down syndrome was born with heart defects and had open heart surgery...he never snorted. So, since my son was not among the 60% of children with DS that are born without heart defects I can say that it hasn't always been a picnic...but parenting never is. (I have 7 children, only one has Down syndrome but no child is perfect-each one presents challenges.) I believe that the majority of people can parent a child with Down syndrome AND medical issues. All it takes is the proper support. Are there people that can't do it? Of course! There are people that can't parent typical children.

I personally try not to compare my child to Chris Burke or any other person with or without Down syndrome. Connor is an individual created by God. I am not about to say that I think he is the Down syndrome super star kid. He isn't. He is significantly delayed. So what? He is who he is and I love him anyway. I know that I do not offer a picture of Down syndrome that is unrealistic. However, painting it the other way is unfair and detrimental to the very lives of many unborn babies with Down syndrome and families that are never given a chance to see that they CAN do it!

This board may not appear active but it is linked to other boards that are. I am sure others have read your post as well.

May I ask how you found us? AND...what is your relationship to the Geraldi's? Do you work for them?

Karen
Rob's wife and mom of Becca(11), Erin(9), Rachel(8), Kaitlyn(6), Ryan(4), Connor (2 3/4 with DS) and Emma 13 months