I Have Big Dreams
The Inspiring Life of Michael, My Down Syndrome Brother
Description:... Is the seemly impossible.... actually possible?Down syndrome children born prior to 1972 were often referred to as "Mongoloid babies." Most of these children were institutionalized because of their internal and external deformities. When Michael was born in 1954 the attending physician recommended that our parents leave Michael in the hospital to die. He said that he would not live long: 2 days, 2 weeks but no longer than 2 months. Supposedly this solution would spare the family the hardship of Michael's inevitable death.Our parents agonized over the doctor's prognosis until the decisive day when our father marched into the hospital to inform them of his decision...That marked the beginning of our family's involvement in the caring for Michael, and would change our lives forever. He had mental and physical limitations that required our attention for years. But as Michael grew up, he made enormous progress in motor skills and developed an engaging personality that brought us endless joy.By his mid twenties, Michael was actively developing his own goals, ideas, and dreams---many of which seemed inconceivable to our family, who had cared for him since birth. But Michael never gave up his quest to follow the longings of his heart. His dreams and goals were clearly realistic in his eyes.This biography details the courageous journey of a man who never gave up on his dreams and of the lives he touched along the way. It is possible... Michael's life proves it!About the author: Bill Shields is Michael's brother, friend, and scribe on their journey of fifty-six and a half years. He is the guide, mapping out the treasures locked within the amazing life of Michael Christopher Shields.
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