Different Dads
Edited by Jill Harrison, Matthew Henderson and Rob Leonard
Reviewed by Jon Ainley, Encephalitis Society
A forward is included by The Right Honourable David Cameron MP who is himself a
father to a child with complex disabilities. This 160 page book draws upon the experiences
of 21 Dads who are involved in caring for a child with disabilities in the UK. Those
included represent dads of all ages, cultures and ethnic backgrounds, incorporating
single dads, married dads, step dads and adoptive dads.
Each of the stories relay the dads’ journeys from the first minute that they
discovered something was not as it should be, and indeed how one man made it his
mission to adopt a little boy who had multiple complex needs.
Their accounts are truly open, putting their cards on the table for all to see,
giving you a heartfelt look into how it is to be a father of a child with disabilities.
The book however is not just about this role, but also about how they are perceived
by those around them and how in some cases they are left out of the equation because
dads can’t be seen to falter.
In relaying their experiences we become privy to a wealth of tips and ideas on how
to approach service providers and obtain financial support. They also place great
emphasis on the value of support groups and how empowering the information gained
can be.
Above all they speak positively for their futures and their unshakable devotion
to being very different dads.
ISBN: 987 1 84310 454 4
Bringing Up a Challenging Child at Home
When Love is Not Enough
Jane Gregory
'Jane Gregory takes us through life so far with her daughter: the slow, chilly realisation
that she was not developing normally, the refusals by health professionals to take
her concerns seriously and the stress of coping with violent, obsesive behaviour
whilst caring for two young siblings. Jane shares these exoeriences and the effect
they had on her family candidly in a book full of energy and compassion. Her struggles
to find solutions to manage Chrissy's behaviour and health is full of practical
suggestions and information.' Viewpoint
ISBN 1 85302 874 6 Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Rachel's Story
One families story of the death of their child
By Rita O'Dwyer
This book is a very moving account of how a family coped with the death of a child.
In the beginning we are told of the special memories that surround this wonderful
girl Rachel. How she enjoyed her dancing, friendships and ultimately her family.
All is looking good until the day Rachel suddenly became ill. Mum tells through
the pages their hopes, fears and finally, realisations as the diagnosis of encephalitis
is confirmed and they are told Rachel is losing her fight against the disease. We
are given some insight into sadness at the time of Rachel’s death and touched
by the care given to her at every moment of her illness.
The importance of unity within the family and their faith is apparent throughout
the book. As they shared this difficult time between them as a family and it is
delivered again for anyone who reads this book.
Acknowledgement for the need to move on is given through the fond memories they
have and hold dear. For anyone who has lost child or sibling the book makes no claims
that the feelings of loss will go away forever but it does offer support by saying
we know the path you have walked and the isolation felt, because we have been there
too.
Published through Veritas. ISBN 1-85390-677-8
Buy via our Amazon link
Last modified: 4 September 2008