Spirit, Courage, and Resolve - A Special Olympic Athlete's Road to Gold, by Tom Lambke, is a father's story that takes us along on the the adventures of a father-son bowling team chosen to represent the USA at the 2003 Special Olympic World Games in Ireland. The story leading up to and including that event is told with great warmth and honesty.

It is fortunate for those of us who reap the benefits of the efforts of individuals with Down syndrome and their families who created real change in the hearts and minds of their communities to understand that we share many of the same challenges that could have deterred those who came before us.

The history of the Special Olympics is as compelling as the stories of the athletes that have participated along the way. Our sons and daughters are exposed to great life lessons while striving to reach the athletic goals that each sport inspires. Coaches and family members learn more about the athletes and their capacity for greatness, teamwork, personal discipline and motivation than would be possible in other venues.

It was a pleasure to be invited into their home, and to share stories of the sport, their travels and family life through Tom Lambke's book. The simple pleasures of ordinary life that most new parents do not take for granted for their children with Down syndrome are offered as an inspiration to look forward into the future with hope and determination.

Tom's son, the athlete Bryan Lambke, has co-authored his own book, I Just Am, that is an honest and forthright expression of what it means to have Down syndrome. My son immediately tucked it into his bus travel bag to show his job coach, case manager, and friends. He supports his peers with Down syndrome who also have a great deal to share about themselves and their perceptions of the world.

Browse at your local bookstore, public library or online retailer for books on Special Olympics, celebrating diversity, and welcoming people with special needs who live in your own community.

I'm Not a Saint, Just a Parent newspaper article by Simon Barnes, excerpted from a soon to be released book by the UK Mencap organization
http://www.timesonline.co.uk

Helping Parents Cope with a high risk birth - Terror, Grief, Impotence and Anger by Michael T. Hynan, Ph.D.

Riverbend DS Group Website
Daddy's Brightest Star

Dr. Len Leshin, Father of Avi
http://www.ds-health.com

Dad's Admiration Makes Strong Bond with Daughter
NPR Story Corps Booth in Kansas City Mo
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6594348&sc=emaf

Question and Answer Exchange with Greg Palmer author of Adventures in the Mainstream, Coming of Age with Down Syndrome

Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome: A Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges

Dads, Complicated Pregnancies and Childbirth
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art47718.asp

Fathers of Children with Special Needs
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32675.asp

Dads of Babies with Disabilities
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art57124.asp

Grandfathers and Great Uncles
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art51398.asp

Parenting Children With Health Issues
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art56840.asp

Mothering Babies with Special Needs
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art50678.asp

A Brand New Baby with Down Syndrome
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art51264.asp
Welcoming Babies with Down Syndrome - WBwDS
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32534.asp

WBwDS - Spanish - Sindrome de Down - Bienvenidos
Bebes con Sindrome de Down
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32537.asp

WBwDS - French - Accueillir les bébé trisomiques
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32538.asp