In 1980, Erma Bombeck wrote an article entitled “The Special Mother”.  It was a tribute to the 100,000 mothers who gave birth each year to handicapped children.

In 1984, I gave birth to a son with Down Syndrome.

I don’t remember if I read Erma’s accolade before or after my Matthew was born, but I do remember when I did read it, my tears blurred the words so badly I could barely get through it. Erma really nailed it. How she did, not having a handicapped child herself, I don’t know. Did she interview professionals? Or doctors and experts? Research statistics or read formal theses? Or did she do what I think she did – just sit and observe and talk to these mothers one by one until her heart became one with theirs. Continue reading “You Nailed It, Erma!” →