Books by Pat Montesano-Raise A DD Child

THE BOOKS

Sing A New Song

Self Published 1979

I've written this book to share with you my experience as the mother of a mentally retarded child. I want to share not only the heartache, frustration and tears; but the fun, the laughter, the love, and most of all the daily renewal of hope that Chris has brought into my life for all these years. I believe you'll enjoy meeting Chris and his friends as much as my husband, Chris' seven brothers and sisters, and I have. I invite you to let them touch your heart as they have touched ours. I would like you to listen to their dreams. I'm eager to share our story because I have learned the tremendous value of the life of a mentally retarded individual to one who will accept him. I remember feeling that my world was falling apart on the day that I learned my child was brain damaged. I gradually realized I had been granted a very special opportunity by being invited to enter a new world, a different world, a beautiful world. From accepting that invitation, I have been blessed with unique lessons learned, with spiritual growth and new appreciations. I know that I'm a better person from the endless love and surprising joy which entered my world with Chris. I hope that our story will help you to more fully appreciate the mentally handicapped men and women in your community...in your neighborhood... and in your home. Love, Pat.

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Sing A New Song II

ISBN-13: 9781592680498
Publisher: GMA Publishing and Inspiration Press
Publication date: 11/28/2003
Pages: 112

From the beginning of life's journey for Chris, we had been told society was changing towards the mentally challenged. We were encouraged to educate Chris, to train him to be socially acceptable, and to believe he would someday be a contributing member of our society.

We had spent tremendous amounts of money, made great sacrifices for the effort and given one hundred percent of ourselves so that Chris would become a useful citizen on earth. We were excited about his accomplishments and his eagerness to be recognized as a contributor in the community in the community of the world. However when the time came we did not find a world that welcomed Chris. What we found was discrimination, no equal opportunities, no justice. We experienced exploitation, deceit and pain. We, with Chris, had believed he would be accepted as a neighbor, a fellow parishioner, as a welcome guest at social events, as a shopper, as a passenger traveling, as an employee and as a friend.

In reality....

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Pat Montesano

A New Song

ISBN:978-1-46341-165-7
Dust Jacket Hardcover
Pages:112

In the early years of Chris’s life, we were told that society was changing towards those who are diagnosed with mental retardation, developmental disadvantages, and special needs. We were encouraged to educate Chris, train him to be socially acceptable, and believe that he would become a contributing member of society. We spent large amounts of money, made great sacrifices, and gave 100% of ourselves, so our son would become a useful citizen on this planet. We were excited about his accomplishments and eagerness to be accepted and recognized as a valuable participant in the community of the world.

As Chris’s family, we believed that he would be welcomed as a neighbor, fellow parishioner, desired guest, passenger, employee, and as a friend. There have been many kind and generous people throughout Chris’s life. Many individuals fully accepted and befriended him. However, we did not find a world that always welcomed him. We experienced discrimination. Equal opportunities and justice weren’t often offered to him. We experienced with him exploitation, deceit, and deep pain, as well as hypocrisy. Unfortunately, we live in a society that promotes eradication of unborn babies who might be born with similar handicaps.

During the last years of Chris’s life, however, he was happier and more independent than ever. Hopefully, our story will help to generate increased acceptance of these special individuals and to discover the incredible value of their lives. We found Chris to be the one who accepted and loved others, who lived in a spirit of forgiveness and gratitude. He loved unconditionally.