SharePoint
Sign In
Help
ADN logo

An Extraordinary Life
 

  • Home
NavigationSearch
  • Home
    • About
      • Our Mission and Vision
      • Our History
      • Who Are Anabaptists?
      • ADN Staff
      • Field Associates
      • Board of Directors
      • Annual Reports
      • Staff Openings
    • Get Involved
      • Congregational Advocates
      • Partner Congregations
      • Accessibility in all aspects of church life
      • Barrier-Free Grant
    • Newsletter
      • Latest issue
      • Previous issues
      • Subscribe
    • BlogCurrently selected
      • Latest Posts
      • Subscribe
      • All Posts
    • Resources
      • Accessibility and Awareness
        • Accessibility
        • Awareness
        • Changing Attitudes
        • Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
      • MC USA Accessibility Resolution and Study Guide
      • ADN Books
      • ADN Disability Language Guide
      • Barrier-Free Grant
      • Book and Media Recommendations
      • Caregivers
        • Circles of Care
        • Families
        • Support Groups
      • Congregational Assessment Survey
      • COVID-19 Resources
      • Disability Topics
        • ADHD
        • Autism spectrum
        • Disabilities of Aging
        • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
        • For the Deaf
        • Hearing Loss
        • Hidden disabilities
        • Intellectual disabilities
        • Mobility Impairment
        • Vision Disabilities
      • Faith Formation & Worship
        • Children
        • Classroom Accessibility
        • For Church leaders
        • Book Reviews
        • Our Speakers
        • Youth
      • From Other Faith Traditions
      • On Mental Health
        • Children and Youth
        • Depression and Anxiety
        • Healthy Boundaries
        • Mental Health Education
        • Mental Health Resource for Congregations
        • Mental Illnesses
        • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • Suicide
      • Speakers and Trainers
      • Webinars
      • All Resources
    • Donate
      • Legacy Giving
      • Honor And Memorial Gifts
      • Building the Future Partners
    • Contact Us
Left Menu
  • Pictures
  • Lists
  • Libraries
  • Recent
  • Blog
    • Latest PostsCurrently selected
    • Subscribe
    • All Posts

An Extraordinary Life
by Rhoda G. Penny

Posted by Rebekah Flores / Elgin, Illinois
11/16/2016
Page Image
Extra Ordinary Life book cover
Image Caption
Opening paragraph
​​Inspired by the life of and love for her brother born with Down syndrome, author Rhoda G. Penny weaves together a fictionalized, but genuine, account of the challenges and triumphs of a family touched by this disability. Written with grace, humor, and compassion, An Extra Ordinary Life is a source of inspiration and education.​

Page Content

Narrated through the eyes of an older sister, we meet parents unprepared for the news that their son, Matthew, has been born with Down syndrome. In contrast to Matthew’s parents, strained by fears for Matthew’s and their own future, the narrator-sister expresses an unadulterated joy for her newest sibling. As the course of Matthew’s life unfolds, Penny does justice to the richness and complexities of a family with developmental disability. Robust characters leave the reader feeling part of the Parker family, at times hurting and at other times celebrating, as Matthew transitions through boyhood into adulthood. 

 
As the first-ever student with Down syndrome to attend his public school, Matthew encounters episodes of heart wrenching discrimination and rejection. Matthew’s resilience and out pouring of love for others, however, heals the fears and stigma held by his classmates. Truly, the central theme that emerges from this story of Matthew’s life is not the limitations of his disability, but the incredible gifts he has for loving and uniting others around him. At his graduation, Matthew receives a standing ovation for his service to others, a cherished and valued member of the school community. 

 
Told through the eyes of his older sister, this book draws attention to the importance of sibling relationships within families with a disability. Too often, this perspective surrounding disability goes unshared. However, as evidenced from this story, siblings provide important wisdom about drawing out and integrating the gifts of those with disabilities. 

 
"Having a Down syndrome person in my life,” adds Penny at the end of the book, “has brought my family so much joy and laughter. My brother truly was a special gift" (p. 351).  

 
The authenticity of this story will resonate with families of loved ones with Down syndrome while appealing to, and satisfying any reader. I highly recommend this book!

 
​An Extra Ordinary Life is available​ for purchase by contacting the author rhodagpenny@gmail.com

 


Rebekah Flores is a Field Associate with Anabaptist Disabilities Network.
​

Subscribe to Opening Doors Subscribe to Opening Doors

 Related posts

  • Weathering the Pandemic for Families with Special Needs
    Denise Reesor offers tips for supporting families affected by disabilities during a global pandemic.
  • Transition to Adulthood
    Kevin Sauder shares about the transition from school to adult life for his son who is on the autism spectrum.
  • Little Things
    Those who know persons with disabilities know how important little things are – a sound, a movement, a breath. Wilfred Martens tells about the profound gift of a smile where it's least expected.
  • A Gift for Loving
    A father learns that his son has a gift for loving others, which he shares freely with his church family.
  • Families
    All posts of particular interest to families, from from ADN's blog, Opening Doors

 Latest posts

  • Waterford's Accessibility Survey Insights
    Waterford Mennonite Church takes steps towards greater accessibility and inclusion.
  • Scripture-based Play
    Ambler Mennonite uses Legos to engage Scriptures across ages and abilities.
  • Autism and Faith
    Ann Hamlin relates her experience as an autistic adult in her church community.
  • Litany of Dedication
    New Creation Fellowship in Newton, KS, dedicates their new lift, which makes their sanctuary accessible to all.
  • Lessons Learned
    Shelly Kerchner shares her journey through addiction, illness, and disability.
  • Loneliness: It Affects us All
    M.Div. student Michelle Robichaud offers a few ways churches can support lonely youth who lack a feeling of connection.

 Read more about

  • Families

Contact us

P: 877-214-9838 (Toll Free)
P: 574-343-1362
3145 Benham Avenue
Suite 5
Elkhart, IN 46517-1970
Visit the Anabaptist Disabilities Network on Facebook!

Support ADN

Use your credit card to contribute online:

Donate Now Through Network for Good

Donate Now Through PayPal

    Resources

  • Staff
  • About
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Donate
  • Employment
  • Sign In
  • © Anabaptist Disabilities Network 2019