For the Love of Aimee by Julie Riera Matsushima

I cannot begin to express the excitement that rushed through me when I found an email from Andrea Newsome, the Marketing and PR Specialist from Greenleaf Book Group, LLC. She was inquiring if I'd be willing to read a book, which she would send me, written by the grandmother of Aimee, a child born with cerebral palsy and microcephaly. First thought, um...YES. Second thought...Is this for real? It was. I was immediately interested because I felt like I could identify with the story. (And also, how cool is that -- to be asked to read a book?! I feel so important and am all giddy inside.) Samantha was born with microcephaly and has since been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. I wanted to read Aimee's story, and I anxiously anticipated its arrival in the mail.

For the Love of Aimee is written from the perspective of the grandmother, as I mentioned -- a grandma who is heavily involved in her granddaughter's life. (Of course I thought of our own Janet in the Kidz Krew as she grandmothers and adores her darling granddaugther. Janet, you should read this.) Aimee, born with microcephaly and cerebral palsy, was given a grim prognosis at birth. The family was told that Aimee would, at best, live in a vegetative state. Julie lovingly expresses the years that follow -- the trials, successes, unexpected sadness, but also triumphant victories. Early on, Julie took on the role as Aimee's advocate, fighting for her every step of the way -- getting her the therapy she needs, but also giving her structure, and treating her like the child of God that she is. Julie still does this for Aimee. I was touched at the amount of love Julie has for Aimee. Perhaps it's not how much love she has for Aimee...I believe that most grandparents have this same amount of love for their grandkids. But what's unique here is that it's mixed with a determination to do something with that love...to make things happen. Julie's my kind of gal. She's a do-er. And I think that's one reason why she and Aimee have such a bond. Aimee's a do-er as well. She does what no one expects, and she'll keep doing what no one expects! I love it.

I have read other "special needs" stories before. After all, I've read many of your own that you've shared on this blog. I find myself uplifted and encouraged...motivated to be better, or at least stay the course. However, I was leary of what I'd feel reading this book. I think it's because when I've read article-length stories, they've been uplifting, but when I've turned to longer prose, like books, I have always been let down, feeling sad, overwhelmed, and a little defeated. It's very unfortunate. I wondered if this book, especially because it seems to parallel my Samantha a little bit, would put me in a funk. To my utmost pleasant surprise, I was uplifted. I laughed and smiled as I read. Sure some salty tears rolled down my cheeks, but my overall feeling of this book was very happy and encouraging. Don't we need that? Don't we all need to read a great experience about living the special needs life? I think so. Nothing was sugar-coated in the book. There were definitely rough spells and one of those involves a body cast! Yikes! But even then, there was an overriding feeling of hope. For that, I thank Julie Matsushima. I was invested in their story together because I felt love. Shoot, it's Julie and Aimee's story, but I fell in love with good 'ole Mel too (Aimee's grandpa). I love that man! I was curious. I felt inspired. More importantly, I felt happy for Aimee's successes. And, most importantly, I felt hopeful for my own Samantha's future, whatever it is.

Aimee's positive attitude and determination reminded me a lot of Samantha's, and reading this reminded me of how grateful I am to have her in my life. For me, the most powerful paragraph is found in the epilogue.

Without Aimee just the way she is, I would have missed out on the experience of a lifetime. I would have missed the self-satisfaction of overcoming personal challenges. I would, most likely, have never known my own capacity for devotion to a grandchild in need who was wanting to be loved and acknowledged as a valued human being. I would never have understood what it means to truly respect another individual, body and soul, for who rather than what they are. Most of all, I would not have known that faith and hope are at the heart of our existence, no matter what kind of existence it is.

When Samantha was born, and the doctors gave us Samantha's grim prognosis, I cried. As I held Samantha and my tears dropped on her tiny head, her cap absorbing each tear, Marcus put his arms around me. He boldly stated that one day we would look back and say that we wouldn't have it any other way...that Samantha is a blessing the way she is. He confirmed that we wouldn't feel this way today or tomorrow, but in time we would see the blessing that Samantha is...just the way she is. I have experienced this change of heart that Marcus told me we'd have, and I know he has as well.

When I read this paragraph in the epilogue, it rang true in my heart...and my mind. It makes such clear sense to me. These children of ours are blessings not despite the way they are, but because they are just the way they are. I believe Julie and I share a similar faith and belief that there is a greater plan, and as she says, a GREATER AUTHORITY, and if we accept that, we can receive the blessings that await. Samantha has touched my life in more ways than I could begin to explain in this post...and Aimee does the same for all those who feel of her spirit, whether from meeting her or even just reading about her. Knowing that Julie Matsushima is from my same city, I hope to run into her one day and maybe even meet Aimee when she's in town visiting. I'd like to rub shoulders with these wonderful women. Aimee's an incredible young woman who is a sister, daughter, granddaughter, and teacher. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book and be reminded of the innumerable blessings in my own life. Even though this is about Julie and Aimee, I found myself wondering a great deal about Aimee's parents. I wondered what it was really like at home. I wondered about Chloe, her identical twin sister, and how she felt about Aimee's special attention. I wondered about Jeffrey, the younger brother, who was born into this special needs family, and how he felt about everything.

Though Julie Matsushima paints a picture of her journey with Aimee and special needs, we can all learn from the lessons taught in this book -- the need for patience, increased charity (the true meaning of the word), dealing with trials, choosing to act or react to life, etc. It's definitely worth reading.

** You can find more information about Julie Riera Matsushima at her website and more information about her advocacy for special needs children at her non-profit foundation webpage, That's Amore Chairtable Foundation, Inc.