“My Grandson has Treacher Collins Syndrome.”
I froze in my tracks and turned to face the woman who was speaking.
“My daughter has Treacher Collins Syndrome too!” I said, surprised to meet someone who had heard of such a rare facial syndrome.
My daughter’s theatre group had just finished their first performance. She plays the part of a nameless orphan in the background of “Annie.” But even in the midst of children in drab outfits, my daughter stands out, with her facial differences and hearing aids.
Today, those differences caught the attention of a Grandma, who was so encouraged to see my daughter on stage, having fun with her friends, feeling free to be herself, loving life and full of joy. Moments like this make this Mama’s heart so happy!
My daughter is the reason…
I opened my Etsy shop, The Baha Bowtique, making headbands and accessories for Baha/Ponto. She is also why I started writing children’s books featuring characters who are Wonderfully Different. I was inspired by my husband’s confidence, in spite of his challenges, growing up with facial differences and hearing aids, and I wanted our own children (and yours) grow in confidence too!
Grow in Confidence and Compassion with Wonderfully Me books!
As a parent, I wrote “Wonderfully Different, Wonderfully Me,” not only for my own daughters, but so all children can see themselves represented in a story, whether they connect with a character’s personal challenges, physical appearance, interests, or personality.
“Wonderfully Different, Wonderfully Me” is the children’s book that belongs in every household and classroom, to promote inclusion, acceptance and friendship. If you are a parent, teacher, or medical professional assisting a child who feels a bit different, “Wonderfully Different, Wonderfully Me” will inspire and encourage your children to find what they have in common with others and to celebrate what makes them, and others, wonderfully unique.
“Becoming a Super Sibling” is written from the perspective of big sister Chloe. In simple language that is easy for kids to understand, Chloe explains… Facial Differences, Cleft Palate, Hearing Loss, BAHA/Ponto Hearing Aids, and of course, the ways she helps her sister! This heartwarming story offers hope and inspiration for families dealing with a challenging diagnosis—and for those who want to lend their support.
Children grow in confidence and compassion when they see themselves, and their friends in the story, and not just their differences represented, but the beautiful things about who they are and who they can become.
Wonderfully Me Books are a great gift for your children, classmates, parents, grandparents, teachers, medical professionals or anyone working with kids who are wonderfully different. This series can be used in homes, churches, schools, childcare centers, and waiting rooms to start conversations which promote inclusion, acceptance, and friendship.
Resources, information, and hardcover books are available at:
WonderfullyMeBooks.com or TheBahaBowtique.etsy.com
Follow on social media @OurWonderFamily (FaceBook, Instagram, YouTube)
