This early summer our family experienced the publication of the book, "My Sister, Alicia May" written by Nancy Tupper Ling and illustrated by Shennen Bersani. This is no ordinary book to my family. This is because this is the story of my grandneices, Rachel and Alicia May, and Alicia has Downs Syndrome. While it is a children's book, I have yet to find an adult who has not enjoyed the book and its beautiful illustrations. Sensitively told the book speaks of the sisterhood between Rachel and Alicia - their love, the difficulties, and the fun. A third sister, Taryn, is pictured in the book also.
We are overjoyed to have Nancy and Shennen bring such joy to our family and others. Nancy grew up with Rachel, Alicia, and Taryn's mother. Probably neither girl realized in those childhood schooldays that their early connection would result in such happiness for so many people, especially us. Our early sadness has turned into a joyous family mission. As the book is shared among our friends or at book signings, a wonderful thing begins to happen! Parents now have a way of helping their children understand differences among themselves and others through the story; old people who had Downs siblings tell of their loved ones who had so few opportunities in "the old days." The developmental and healing aspects of the book cause us to marvel at how a small colorful book can make such a difference.
For more about how Nancy Tupper Ling decided to write the book, please see my next blog or check out her blog.
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