Raising Jess is the powerful story of one family's survival when faced with adversity. Written with compassion, honesty, and humor, it tells of a family changed forever by the birth of a child with special needs, and their courageous decision to choose hope. "I was twenty-four years old and about to deliver my first child. Oh, and I also had the chickenpox." So begins the story of a first-time mom who learns her infant daughter has severe, multiple disabilities. Facing the challenges of caring for her daughter, marriage struggles, and the question of having more children, Vickie Rubin gives a glimpse into the world of her family and transformation while Raising Jess. This beautiful, gripping memoir will delight and leave you wanting more. Vickie Rubin, M. S. Ed., received the Children's Guild Community Recognition Award for her extraordinary contributions to the community of children with special needs and their families. As Manager of the Early Childhood Direction Center for Kaleida Health and Project Director of the Western New York State Education Department ECDC program, Rubin was a frequent guest speaker at colleges and universities. Rubin is a regular contributor to the Buffalo News, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journal. She pens a popular blog, Vickie's Views (https: //vickierubin.com/) where she posts inspiring stories of everyday life. Raising Jess: A Story of Hope is her first book. What readers say about Vickie Rubin's writing: - Beautifully written...and heartwarming. - It never ceases to enlighten, educate, and encourage me. It leaves me wanting more every time. Her writing never fails to validate my feelings. - Love her stories of life. - I'm in tears again. What an emotional story and, of course, informative, and educational.
Reviews with the most likes.
I picked this one up and next thing I knew I was turning the last page and closing the book. This is an emotional ride through Jess' story and the people who love and support her.
I wholly expected to be sad while reading this one, but that isn't what happened. Yes, I cried. Yes, my heart hurt. Yes, there are parts that are sad. However, the overall feel isn't sadness...it's hope, strength, determination, togetherness and most importantly LOVE.
The author is so honest and real and shares her true thoughts throughout the book. I love that she shares, not only her personal journal entries and notes, but all these beautiful photos of Jess and her people. You can literally see the sun in her smile and I couldn't help but smile back.
Stories like this give me hope within my own life and fills my heart with happiness. Definitely recommend this one! I sincerely thank the publisher and Books Forward for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
