Blagica Jankuloska
Unexpected Lessons from Professor Higgins
Finding Connection and Community
This year, I’ve shifted my focus away from fiction to prioritize real human stories. My goal is to learn something meaningful and, more importantly, to deepen my understanding of the differently-abled community. This book proved to be the perfect companion for that journey—it is a story that reaches out, teaches, and stays with you.
What makes this memoir so approachable is its structure; each chapter stands alone as its own narrative, written with a heartfelt and uplifting tone that kept me thinking (and laughing) long after I finished. The author captures the "HUGE joy" of loving someone with Down syndrome by being remarkably transparent about both the triumphs and the shortcomings. That raw honesty makes the joy feel authentic and earned, and it resonates far beyond a single diagnosis. It speaks to the profound, shared experience of the broader disability community—reminding us that while our specific paths may differ, the depth of love and the importance of advocacy remain universal.
By the end of the book, I felt so much genuine affection for the star of the story, Chris (also known as Buddy or Professor Higgins). He is truly the heart of every page.
While this is a sweet and inspiring read for anyone, it is especially vital for those with loved ones with developmental disabilities or anyone looking to lead with more empathy toward the Down syndrome community. I should note, however, that this isn't a "how-to" manual. Every individual is unique, and one person’s story cannot represent an entire community. Instead, read this for the connection it offers: it is a beautiful reminder that you are not alone, and you are seen.
Finding Connection and Community
This year, I’ve shifted my focus away from fiction to prioritize real human stories. My goal is to learn something meaningful and, more importantly, to deepen my understanding of the differently-abled community. This book proved to be the perfect companion for that journey—it is a story that reaches out, teaches, and stays with you.
What makes this memoir so approachable is its structure; each chapter stands alone as its own narrative, written with a heartfelt and uplifting tone that kept me thinking (and laughing) long after I finished. The author captures the "HUGE joy" of loving someone with Down syndrome by being remarkably transparent about both the triumphs and the shortcomings. That raw honesty makes the joy feel authentic and earned, and it resonates far beyond a single diagnosis. It speaks to the profound, shared experience of the broader disability community—reminding us that while our specific paths may differ, the depth of love and the importance of advocacy remain universal.
By the end of the book, I felt so much genuine affection for the star of the story, Chris (also known as Buddy or Professor Higgins). He is truly the heart of every page.
While this is a sweet and inspiring read for anyone, it is especially vital for those with loved ones with developmental disabilities or anyone looking to lead with more empathy toward the Down syndrome community. I should note, however, that this isn't a "how-to" manual. Every individual is unique, and one person’s story cannot represent an entire community. Instead, read this for the connection it offers: it is a beautiful reminder that you are not alone, and you are seen.