From generation to generation… tell the works of the Lord.
(Joel 1:3)
Effective parenting includes handing down stories — letting
the young learn from the journeys of their forerunners. These narratives shape our cultural
attitudes, construct our ethical frameworks and orient our moral compass. As a child, I remember travelers stopping by
our house and spinning tales – my vivid imagination ran wild with the limitless
future possibilities of exploring and encountering new adventures. I was grateful that someone had gone ahead of
me, charting the treacherous course and encouraging my journey.
Immeasurably More: More Hope, More Joy: Embracing Life with Down Syndrome is written to do just that. Linda Aalderlink successfully navigates the
complexities of crafting a meaningful story of her son’s first 25 years. She weaves together an intricate perspective
of Zach’s life with Down Syndrome, drawing upon the recollections of 12 of his
family members, teachers, classmates, and other friends from the
community. She relates the struggle of being a pioneer of
mainstreamed special education, yet pairs them with the joys that come from fulfilled
dreams, successful community integration, and independent living in the
Friendship House at Western Theological Seminary, Holland, MI.
The 181 page paperback is a collection of 25 easily readable
vignettes, each written with a concluding thought, scripture, prayer, and
praise. The writing style compels the
reader to pause and reflect, not just about the specific episode and lesson learned
in the chapter, but the power of friendship and relationship in all of our
lives. The concluding chapter summarizes
the purpose of this book – families who
discover they are new parents of a child with a disability need encouragement
and hope. The special needs life is doable!
Immeasurably More is one of the best balanced personal memoirs written
lately as it takes a retrospective look across the lifespan at several major transition periods. Edited from a mother’s
perspective, it will resonate well with new moms and can be a useful book study
in a parent support group. Pastors would
be wise to read chapter 22; after living life together with Zach, new seminarian’s
perspective of ministry changed forever.
This is a story I will be glad
to share generation to generation!
Immeasurable More: Embracing Lifewith Down Syndrome. Linda Aalderink (Grand Rapids, MI: Credo House
Publishing. 2012). 181 pp. Paperback,
$10.00, ISBN 978-1-935391-88-3.
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Disclaimer: While Friendship House (locations at Western Theological Seminary
and Duke-Durham) was named in honor of the work of Friendship Ministries, they are independent ministries which share a common heritage. As a board member of Friendship Ministries, I wrote about my experience touring Friendship House in 2008.
