Friday, July 22, 2011

Review by author Theresa Thomas

 
A Special Mother is Born by Leticia Velasquez is an amazing and moving book for and about “special mothers”, ordinary women called to live to their fullest potential by parenting children with special needs such as autism, Down syndrome, Trisonomy 18 and aspergers. The book contains touching personal accounts (and pictures!) of families chosen by God to raise children with developmental disabilities and other special needs. Each story, by a different contributor, is an honest look at challenges faced by these families. Each story shares one mother’s fears, hopes, challenges, joys and eventual strong faith.  The stories are riveting, inspirational and … beautiful.
Each story has its own mesmerizing beginning. One contributor, Lisa Barker, begins “Boo was born with silvery hair and appeared as if she’d just been whisked away from the fairies.” I was drawn into this description of Lisa’s daughter Rebecca and quickly read and turned page after page,  devouring the account of little Boo’s  life and of  her mother’s wisdom and unique perspective interspersed throughout the pages.
Another personal account in the book begins, “Miracles do happen. They just don’t always look the way we think they’re supposed to look.” And I can assure you, after reading this particular story,  this was a truly a story of miracles!
Time and time again, the blessings of raising special needs children are revealed. The reader gets a rare peek into the personal thoughts of mothers who are engaged in the challenging but rewarding l task of loving and raising a child who is labeled “different” . “I can do all things in Christ Who Strengthens me”  (Philippians 4:13) is a recurring theme of the book and anyone who needs a dose of hope will find it in the pages of A Special Mother is Born.
After these moving testimonies of life, author Leticia offers a well -documented short history of the eugenics movement, and how America has come to reject those persons deemed less than perfect.  The history is concise, clear and just the right length for the reader to understand and commit to memory for use, perhaps, in later discussions with others.
Next comes an account of Leticia’s debut into the public world and work of speaking up for disabled children and  encouraging others to embrace a pro-life view as she became an activist promoting life on Capitol Hill.  Her moving speech given in Washington, D.C.is reproduced in the book.

One of the most practical and valuable parts of the book is the appendix of pro-life resources for special needs parenting, making A Special Mother is Born  a real help for families facing challenges of a special needs diagnosis.
Many hearts will be touched by this beautiful book. I recommend it wholeheartedly!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Endorsement by disabilities advocate Ched Salasek

A Special Mother is Born is a remarkable and joy-filled collection of inspirational families and their special needs children. The world has declared war on these children because they considered them a burden.  However, Leticia Velasquez shows the world (through the many touching real-life stories from modern-day warriors within the Church Militant) that love always conquers.  This book is an incredible motivational tool that brings about the essence and sanctity of life.”
Ched Salasek, father of six, one of whom has Spina Bifida, and Family Advisor at the ADHS Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Endorsement by Sister Marie-Andre Wilson SCMC

Leticia Velasquez is a devoted and courageous mother, one of the rare breed who nurture their less-than-perfectly-predicted children and receive far more than could ever be expected in joyous reward. By publicizing her own family’s treasure, she inspires others to embrace the fragile lives that will enrich their own.
Sister Marie-AndrĂ© Wilson, SCMC, Teens of Pro-Life Club, Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic, CT     


Endorsement by contributing authorTamara Mussella


Thank you for letting me be a part of such an incredibly special family that was brought together by the tremendous love of our children.
May all of these families be continually blessed by God in all ways! 
Tamara Musella, contributor to “A Special Mother is Born”

Monday, July 18, 2011

Endorsement by author Christine Capolino

Leticia Velasquez is a devoted and courageous mother, one of the rare breed who nurture their less-than-perfectly-predicted children and receive far more than could ever be expected in joyous reward. By publicizing her own family’s treasure, she inspires others to embrace the fragile lives that will enrich their own.
Sister Marie-AndrĂ© Wilson, SCMC, Teens of Pro-Life Club, Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic, CT     

A Special Mother is Born is a remarkable and joy-filled collection of inspirational families and their special needs children. The world has declared war on these children because they considered them a burden.  However, Leticia Velasquez shows the world (through the many touching real-life stories from modern-day warriors within the Church Militant) that love always conquers.  This book is an incredible motivational tool that brings about the essence and sanctity of life.”
Ched Salasek, father of six, one of whom has Spina Bifida, and Family Advisor at the ADHS Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs.


In addition to beautiful and heartfelt accounts by Mothers of children with a variety of special needs and sincere accounts of their increased faith through their families' journeys, readers will be blessed by a wealth of information for all ages on related topics. Leticia Velasquez's collaborative gem, A Special Mother is Born, should have a place of honor on the shelves of ALL parents. 
Christine Capolino, homeschooling Mom, writer, columnist for Mater et Magistra Magazine and Catholic Mom.com.


Sunday, July 17, 2011

Endorsement by author Barbara Kralis


'A Special Mother is Born.' provides timely information and experiences regarding the Down syndrome child.  Reading Leticia's useful resource will open new doors while empowering parents, educators, legislators, who may have a whole new world of questions, to meet the varied needs of these exceptional children so they are not less valued according to society's beliefs and conventions.
 This book contains up-to-date information for new parents, enabling them to become familiar with the latest resources which help children with Down syndrome to have meaningful, natural relationships and productive opportunities they deserve to develop confidence and talents - to be all they can.  Many such kiddos attend college; have fulfilling careers and relationships, because research has increase a thousand fold over past years.
 'A Special Mother is Born' will help each of us to embrace these remarkable people whom God has entrusted to not only their natural parents but to all of us.
Barb Kralis, Freelance Journalist



Saturday, July 16, 2011

Endorsement by children's book author Josephine Nobisso

The sincerity, frankness, and, ultimately, grace-filled joy of these essays by parents with special needs children will speak to every heart in that they touch on every aspect of the experience.  Readers facing the news that they are expecting a special needs child will find honest echoes to their own range of emotions and thoughts. Families living with or having lived with a special needs child will nod, weep and even chuckle in grateful recognition.  Those who have never had the experience will come away informed, uplifted and enlightened. And those who have harbored fear, resistance--or even worse--toward the reality of this aspect of human life will likely have their hearts and minds changed forever. 

--Josephine Nobisso, author of The Weight of a Mass, Take It to the Queen, and Francis Woke Up Early

Friday, July 15, 2011

Endorsement by Dr Florence Malone

"A Special Mother is Born" is a major opportunity to learn about mothers of children with special needs -- don't miss it!
Florence Malone, Ed.D. Professor Emerita, City University of New York

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Endorsement by syndicated columnist Lisa "Jelly Mom" Barker


"I pray that this book reaches all parents who help their children carry such huge crosses.  I was deeply touched and honored to have my daughter's story included."
- Lisa "Jelly Mom" Barker, author, columnist and administrator of the Catholic Mom Community (CMOMC.org)


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Endorsement by podcaster Pat Gohn


Story by true story, the parents of A Special Mother is Born echo the poignant and dramatic truth of the Prophet Isaiah's words, "... and a little child shall lead them (Isa 11: 6)."  Come read 33 real-life accounts of parents of children with special needs. This book offers straight talk about the gritty and redeeming "soul" work of parenting as it radiates unvarnished encouragement for anyone facing similar challenges. Filled with moments of faith and frustration, turmoil and transcendence, these Moms and Dads -- and their kids! -- will awaken your heart to the kaleidoscope of life's real joys, and the healing power of love. Leticia Velasquez has compiled a compelling collection of stories and social commentary that shines light on the beauty and dignity of every human person. 
Pat Gohn, writer, catechist, and host of the Among Women podcast.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Endorsement from Catholic Mom founder Lisa Hendey

Leticia Velasquez has compiled a tremendous resource for families with A Special Mother is Born. This book is a must-read not only for parents of special needs children, but for anyone who knows and loves a child who faces unique challenges in life. A Special Mother is Born shares the insights, experiences and personal stories of families who have recognized the true gift of life and been blessed by their lives with special needs children.
Lisa M. Hendey Author of The Handbook for Catholic Moms 

Monday, July 11, 2011

Endorsement from Catholic author Sherry Boas

"If we are to triumph in the war against the culture of death, we must build up our arsenals of beauty and hope. That's exactly what A Special Mother is Born does. The stories here are powerful in their potential to dispel fear and enable even the heaviest heart to soar."
 -- Sherry Boas, special needs mother and author of Until Lily, Wherever Lily Goes and Life Entwined with Lily's.


Sunday, July 10, 2011

Endorsement from Catholic author Patti Maguire Armstrong

This book is not just for families of special needs children. Not by a long shot. There is truth, love and joy in these pages for everyone to draw on. We are all disabled; all needing help and all falling short in one way or another.  

During my years as a writer, I’ve interviewed many parents of special needs children and come to understand that special children bring special blessings to their families. Again and again I’ve seen the transforming power of these children. While mental and physical abilities below par are seen as a handicap, the world often forgets to weight the power of a loving heart and innocent soul. In such an equation, which of us is really handicapped?  

Today, when so many end the life of an unborn with abnormal chromosomes, my heart breaks for them. They choose to turn down a blessing that would have expanded their hearts and souls and better prepared them for heaven.   The stories will touch your heart so that you will come away thinking: they (or we) are so blessed!
  Patti Maguire Armstrong is a Catholic Speaker and author. Her articles and books can be found on RaisingCatholicKids.com


Saturday, July 9, 2011

Endorsement from Catholic Online editor Randy Sly

In this wonderful book, Leticia Velasquez has given her readers a gift of parental faith, wrapped in encouragement and adorned with a bow of hope. Through my vocation as well as membership in the Knights of Columbus, I have had the privilege of spending time with many of these bright and beautiful children of God. It is not about special needs but special blessings – those we give and those we receive. I highly commend this book. If you are a mom, dad, uncle, aunt, grandma or grandpa – you may want to keep some tissues handy. These stories will tug on your heart and touch your soul.
Randy Sly
Associate Editor
Catholic Online - International Edition

Friday, July 8, 2011

Endorsement from EWTN Series Host Joseph Pearce


 “As the father of a child with Trisomy 21, I am delighted that A Special Mother is Born is highlighting the gift that children with Down syndrome are to those mothers (and fathers) who are blessed with them. In a barbaric age that routinely kills these children in the womb, such a book is needed as a beacon of light and hope in a darkened world.”
Joseph Pearce
Author of The Quest for Shakespeare and EWTN Show Host


Thursday, July 7, 2011

Endorsement from Renew America Columnist Matt Abbott


"Leticia Velasquez is indeed a special mother -- as are the other mothers (and fathers) featured in this book. In a time when our culture has such little regard for the sanctity of human life from fertilization until natural death, it is heartening to read about parents who love and care for their special needs children. God bless them all!"

Matt C. Abbott
Catholic columnist
RenewAmerica.com





Wednesday, July 6, 2011

The book is at the publishers!

The last bit of work I did before the Fourth of July weekend was send the manuscript, complete with endorsements and photos to WestBow Press. Their design team is working on the book cover, and I hope to use the cover photo as a header on this blog when I have rights to it.
This is the blog where I will post news about the book, interview the authors, and post any reviews. I hope to embellish this with video interviews, and reviews as well as book tour information.
The anticipated date of release is the beginning of August, just in time for the Catholic Marketing Network in Valley Forge, PA. Look for me at the book signing there if you plan to attend.
Look for our Facebook Page and help us support the book which supports the babies.