CATHARINE WITH AN A - Tecno-Libro

Catharine Keir chose her family well. At the time of her birth there was little support for families to raise a child with Down syndrome at home, either within most families, or from the community at large. The strength, warmth and moral courage of the Keir family was just what Catharine needed. I found Edna&rsquo.s story to be a delightfully warm account of family life in rural Australia, striking in its frank discussion of how her family responded to Catharine&rsquo.s birth, and the diagnosis of Down syndrome, and the truly adult life they have helped her to build. Their Catholic faith sustained them through the process of accepting that Catharine belonged with them and they with her, and their commitment to her as a valued and valuable member of the family. It is an important motif throughout the family&rsquo.s life. Edna has captured a real feeling of country life in NSW, by describing family life thrown into relief by the turning of the seasons, and the years. Catharine&rsquo.s life is