My "Jacob Book" is written

So I submitted my "Jacob Book" to a publisher a couple of months ago, and found out recently that they want to publish it. (Insert squeeling, screaming, and few tears of joy here). 

Something I've been talking (threatening) to do for years now, is about to come to fruition. But what that means is that I've been going through old blog posts re-reading my posts about what life with Jacob was like in the early years. 

I'm not going to lie. There were times I cried. And there were moments where I had to stop work to give myself a breather from the emotions coursing through my mind and my body. 

To say that this book is emotional, is a massive understatment.  But when I look at Jacob's face, and watch him interract with others, I know that no matter the emotional toll, this story HAS to be written. 

It HAS to. 
People need to see that Down syndrome is not something to dread or be afraid of. 

 It's a joy.

A blessing. 

The hardest thing I've ever done. The hardest thing my FAMILY has ever done. 

Worth every minute.

I often find myself unaffected by the little things in life. Because I've already endured the big ones. All too often I say, "It's all good." or "It is what it is." 

Because life IS what you make of it. 

And Jacob reminds me each and every day that there is so much beauty in life, if you will look for it. If you will take a moment to count your blessings and embrace the glorious messiness of humanity.

It took months to submit my book to the editor. It was so much harder than anything else I've written. And I've written more than a dozen books already. But hopefully, in the rawness of my story, you will see the beauty, and the love, and the hope.

I will keep you posted. 

Life is good. 

Surviving COVID when you have Down syndrome and other updates

 Hey, everyone!  It's been  long time since I've written and I realized that not writing my blog means that I'm forgetting important details about Jacob's life.  So, I'm back.  Did you miss us? 

The last couple of years has been crazy busy for a number of reasons.  Obviously, COVID has played a factor. Who hasn't been affected by COVID, right?  

For Jacob, it meant pulling him out of school completely.  He has already been sick for several weeks prior to the schools shutting down in March (I'm pretty sure it was COVID--all of us had it, and I'd nearly gone to the hospital because I couldn't breath.  BUT we all survived.  I've never been the same, but I digress.)

With the mask mandates, and Jacob's underlying conditions (heart patient, overweight, sleep apnea, all the good stuff) we didn't want to risk him getting is (again?). And there was NO WAY we could get him to keep a mask on. So...No school. 

It was a hard transition. He loved seeing his friends and his teachers, but the mandates were not designed with children like Jake in mind. Now, nearly two years later, and we're still out of school.  Jake is 100% ABA, which takes up 6 hours/day--or the equivalent of a school day. 

Two years ago, he was basically mute.  He could say one or two words, but most of his communication was sign.  On Sunday, he said a four-word sentence without prompting.  We're seeing progress!

Since we've been gone, Jacob's big sister had a baby!  So now, Jake is an uncle!  And BOY does he love that child!  He would follow him around and play with him all day long if he could!  He's the ultimate doting uncle.  And Baby Ben adores his uncle!

Also, you know that story about Jake I wanted to publish?  I did. 

 

Sort of.  

It's part of an anthology.  And it's a short story--about 5,000 words.  It's the beginning of what my nonfiction will be when I get it published.  Yes, I still plan on publishing it. it's just taking longer than I wanted.  Life happens that way, you know?

If you'd like to read the story, It's part of the ANWA Anthology. All proceeds go to their scholarship program.  

Read this book NOW.  It's FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

I will be back.  MUCH sooner than last time. I promise.  As COVID rages on, and I continue to deal with the ramifications of how that affects Jake and others like him, I feel compelled to speak up and let other understand that he shouldn't be pushed to the back of the line or ignored. 

But more than that, I want to document all the amazingly wonderful things that are Jacob.  Down syndrome is only a sliver of who he is.  And I'd love to share it with you. 

Until next time...

Susan

Dear Parents of Children with Down Syndrome...

I've always known I'd write a book about Jacob. 

I knew it the moment he was diagnosed with his disability.

I knew it before I knew I'd become a writer.

His story needed to be told.

This year is the year I will put this knowledge to action.  And, in true Allred fashion, I'm going overboard. 

I'm writing not one book (as blogged about before), but two. And I'm outlining a third book. This is in addition to the four nonfiction books about growing up in a family of ten that I'm re-releasing on Amazon, the six-book YA thriller series I'm self-publishing, 2 anthologies I'm participating in, and a YA urban fantasy I hope to pitch to a traditional publisher in June.

Am I insane?

Probably. Yes.

I've been putting off my "Jacob" books for years, telling myself I'd find time later.  But in light of all the abortions based off a Trisomy 21 diagnosis, and some countries even trying to eradicate Down syndrome completely, I can't put it off any longer. These books must be written NOW.

With that being said, I'm putting a call out to any and all parents of children who have Down syndrome.  I'd also like a select few people who don't have kiddos with Down syndrome but are closely affiliated with them - Special Education teachers, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, doctors and nurses, therapists, etc.  I'm looking for letters.

Why?

Because when Jacob was diagnosed, I was inundated with condolences. "I'm so sorry." "I don't know what to say." "What are you going to do?" Sometimes silence and shock.

Where were the congratulations and squeals of excitement I got with my other three children?

I aim to fix that with this book. This will not be a book filled with, "I was horrified and then I learned to love my baby."

This book will be, "Congratulations on having a new baby!  Your life is about to embark on a new adventure. And it will be amazing!"

 Am I going to candy-coat everything? Nope. But my emphasis will be on looking at the good rather than obsessing over the possibility of bad.  Embracing the similarities rather than freaking out about the differences.

If you're interested in being a part of this letter, I want to hear from you!!!