The Memory Keeper’s Daughter April 11, 2008
Posted by anne marie in Books, Special Education.Tags: Down Syndrome, Lifetime Movie, Special Education, Special needs
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This book by Kim Edwards is on my list of top 5 favorite books. Perhaps it’s in part due to the fact that my first job in Special Ed was at a State Institution. Many of the people who lived there had been placed there at birth. I remember often thinking “what if” alot– what if Sarah had grown up in a home, what if Johnny had had the opportunity to go to a public school, what if Timmy didn’t have to share a bedroom with 50 other people, what if they had early intervention, what if they could make choices about their lives, what if… This book, in many ways, addressed many of my “what if” questions and reaffirmed my belief that one person can make a difference in the life of someone who lives with a disability. This book also struck home because we have opened our home and our hearts to a young man with Down Syndrome and it has been the most rewarding journey.
Now back to the reason for this post– The Lifetime Channel has turned this wonderful book into a movie which will air tomorrow night, April 12th at 9PM. An excerpt- ”The birth of a child should be the happiest moment in a couple’s life. But when a doctor’s wife has twins, one of whom has Down syndrome, this physician makes the difficult decision to send one of his babies away. An attending nurse discovers his plan and intervenes, putting into motion events that will haunt the doc, his wife and his son for the next 20 years.”
So read the book, watch the movie…. and have your Kleenex ready.
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In light of the premiere of “Memory Keeper’s Daughter”, I thought you and your readers might be interested in the film, “Strong Love”. The film highlights how much things have changed since the 1970’s for people born with Down syndrome.
A recent review from the Down Syndrome News:
“Some scenes will make you cry, others will make you laugh. All in all, it’s a picture of life full of surprises, challenges and joy.”
We have posted a short excerpt from the film of Holly and Jon practicing their wedding vows if you are interested in previewing it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLFhP5olHvE
Strong Love is the story of world-class weight lifter Jon Shapiro and his childhood sweetheart Holly James, both of whom were born with Down syndrome. This documentary follows the couple over the course of three years, starting with their decision to get married. Their challenges, their triumphs, and their complex, sometimes surprising relationships with family and friends are at the heart of this inspiring film.
Please contact us for more information.
http://www.bonnieburt.com
56 minutes
2007
STRONG LOVE
A film by Bonnie Burt
“Strong Love” tells the story of what happens when a world-class weight lifter and his childhood sweetheart — both born with Down syndrome — decide to marry.
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