.... for how much I loved this book: Schuyler's Monster, by Robert Rummel-Hudson.
Rob is a blogger I've been reading, oh, for at least 2+ years now. He and his wife, Julie, are really wonderful, strong, and intelligent people. They're also Schuyler's parents.
Schuyler is one amazing 8-year old.
Schuyler's Monster is a memoir, telling Rob's story of parenting his "broken" daughter. At 3-years old, Schulyer was diagnosed with polymicrogyria (PMG). This is an extremely rare malformation of the brain - one that assuredly would leave Schuyler under her parents' vigilent care for the rest of her life. Schuyler's specific PMG certainly led many of the professionals studying her case to believe that she'd be mentally retarded and not able to even begin using the most basic of assistive speech devices. Her MRI and other numerous testings were bleak, to say the least.
But!...Well, I'll let you read her story. Suffice it to say, Schuyler is one spunky girl who refuses to conform to what she's supposed to do. Instead, she thrives if she's leading, if she's making her own decisions, if she's making her own path.
And what a path she's made! Schuyler may never speak, that much is true. But she's discovered ways to communicate that are equal to, or better than, merely vocalizing words.
Rob's book is getting a ton of great reviews. I highly advise you to pick up a copy for yourself today. Also, check in at his blog for more up to date information about his, Julie's and Schuyler's journey.
You will not regret it.
Filed under: parenting, parenthood, community, the future, memories, reading, differences, determination, attitude, uniqueness, hope, expectations, ability, inspiration
