Thursday 14 May 2009

Library Thursdays: Greg Palmer

Greg Palmer, writer, broadcaster and father of two boys, (one of whom has Down syndrome) died this week. How sad for his family and also for us that we won't share in his relationship with and views on life with Ned as Ned gets older. Palmer's most recent book about his son, Adventures in the Mainstream: Coming of Age with Down Syndrome, describes and discusses Ned's transition from high school to work. There are many books of life with young children with Down syndrome, but it is nice to read one from this age group. Palmer writes well and includes many humorous anecdotes. He clearly had a lovely relationship with his son(s).
One of my other favourites is Palmer's essay called The End of Cute (found at the Riverbend site--(search for "End of Cute")) about the way people interact with children with Down syndrome once they get "beyond cute". 
Palmer also wrote "He Canters when He Can" (written when Ned was 13) included in Uncommon Fathers: Reflections on Raising a Child with a Disability, Edited by Donald J. Meyer, Woodbine House, 1995.
I'm sad that Palmer died too young, but I am glad that he wrote and did all he did for his son and others.
Related:
Greg Palmer dies of cancer, Mercer Island Reporter

Let us know if you want to borrow Adventures in the Mainstream or Uncommon Fathers or anything else.

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