Rick Santorum: A Special Mother is Born Contributor

Theresa Thomas reviews "A Special Mother is Born"

Thank you to my friend Theresa Thomas, co-author with Patti McGuire Armstrong of "Stories for the Homeschool Heart" to which I was a contributor, for your beautifully written review of my book over at The Integrated Catholic Life. 
Here's her opening paragraph,
"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, Trisomy 18 and Asperger’s syndrome. 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."

A Special Mother is Born discussed on Special Chronicles Podcast

Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 27:"A Special Mother is Born," featuring an interview with author +Leticia Velasquez is now available to listen at http://www.specialch ronicles.com/

Special Chronicles | Podcasting a message of respect.

This is the website for the Special Chronicles Podcast.

You can now pre-order your copy of my book "A Special Mother is Born"

Great news for those of you who have been wondering when the books will be available!
WestBow Press has informed me that my books are coming within three weeks!

I am taking  pre-orders here on my blog, as well as on my other blogs Cause of Our Joy, Causa Nostrae Laetitiae, Keep Infants with Down Syndrome, and Catholic Media Review.

Just click the paypal button in the margin on the right, leave your shipping information and your payment of $22.50 ($19.95 plus $2.55 shipping for a total of $22.50) by credit or debit card and I will ship your book to your home in one month.

The book cover is in!

My daughters Gabbi and Bella agreed that this was the best photo for the cover. The rest of the design is courtesy of the talented designers at WestBow Press. They really know the subdued, meditative mood I had in mind, and their design is exceptional. It's got a touch of baby pink but not enough to turn off men who might want to buy the book (or the men who contributed to it!). The baby's feet are cradled by the mother's hand, yet, like a proud mama, she is proudly offering her baby to be admired. This could be any baby, any mother, but I want those who purchase the book to see their hand, their baby.
Isnt' it precious?! You can tell I'm certainly taken with my baby!
What do you think?

Moving endorsement by special father and author Patrick Coffin

On the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross, I came across Catholic author and radio host Patrick Coffin's exquisitely written article on the brief life and death of his little daughter Naomi Rose who was born with a rare chromosomal anomaly. I asked for the privilege of publishing his story in the sequel to my book, since we are nearing publication, and he consented, if the publishers of Lay Witness Magazine in which it was published, agree. Patrick was kind enough to review my manuscript and offer his review;

"Who knew that a book about grief, loss, and a parents' worst nightmare be so shot through with life, encouragement--and humor?
Having had to say good-bye to a Partial trisomy 9 daughter at age 15 days, I will never forget the experience of helplessness before the suffering of your smallest, most precious, most exquisite little one. Leticia Velasquez has gathered together a moving selection of stories about how good people handled bad medical news; about the sudden surge of courage (usually segueing into a marathon) in the hearts of new parents faced with unexpected circumstances; and about the sanity-inducing reality of prayer.

If someone you love (perhaps you?) is hurting over the severe physical impairments of a child, hand them these testimonies to the power of Christ's terrible, tender love. At a time when so many of these little persons are in the cross hairs of a culture of death, Velasquez has fought back with grace and elan. Read on and find out how.

We have lost a beautiful soul; Peter Kellett

Mary Kellett is the mother of 6 and one half -year-old Peter who passed into eternal life last Saturday, August 19. She wrote the story of his beautiful life for "A Special Mother is Born".
 Peter had trisomy 18 and lived a relatively long life for that condition, thanks to his mother's loving care. She also was inspired to start the apostolate, "Prenatal Partners for Life" to help other mothers whose unborn child is diagnosed with a disability.
I contributed to Mary's site and distributed her pamphlets for years. In 2009, I was finally honored to attend Mass with her and participate in "Healthcare for Gunner" to protest Obamacare September 15th. She is a holy woman and our hearts break with her as she and her family suffer the loss of their beloved Peter.
Eternal rest, grant on to him, and may perpetual light shine upon him!
Here is Mary's message to those who know her.

Dear Prayer Partners,

I have a special request for prayers for my family, especially my children and grandchildren. Our precious son Peter went home to heaven on Saturday August 20th at the age of 6 1/2. The gift and blessing of this little boy can not even be put into words. Peter brought so much joy and love to our family and our hearts are broken and sad. We know he is with our Lord Jesus and our Blessed Mother and this brings us great joy amidst our tears. We trust in God and praise Him for the gift of this sweet child and will continue to praise Him in all things. Please pray God's healing love will give us the grace needed in the difficult days ahead. Thank you for always praying for these precious ones and please keep all families who are blessed with a child who has special needs in your prayers. These little ones are truly "Teachers of our Souls." 

May our Blessed Mother, Queen of Heaven wrap all of you in Her Heart and lead to Her Son, Our Beloved Lord Jesus. 

 Thank you,
 Mary and Family