Author Judith Mathewson has just published a touching book about raising Kimmy, a child with Down Syndrome. And while the story is moving and inspiring in its own right, what makes it so much more special is the fact that the true story is her own.

When Judy found out that her premature daughter had Down syndrome, she felt it was an unexpected blessing from God. Though weak and frail, mentally challenged and physically handicapped, Kimmy's loving smiles and trusting nature brought more into other people's lives than they could have ever imagined.

Adding to the struggles that come with raising a special needs child, Judy was also raising two other young children while courageously suffering the physical and mental abuse of her former husband.

Judy graciously took the time to explain the inspiration behind telling her story and expand on some of the biggest challenges and joys that have come with raising Kimmy.

What inspired you to tell your story by writing this book?

Judy: My desire was to give others with special needs children some encouragement and hope. To let them know that they are not alone and that we all struggle with doing the very best we can with our special gift from God. I wanted them to know the joys and the sorrows - the up's and the down's - the laughter and tears that are involved with raising a child like Kimmy. To know the unconditional love that special needs children have, it is nothing that they work at - it is just there!

In 1967 when I gave birth to Kimmy and for many, many, many years later I had searched for a book like the one I have written, but could find none that would go into the daily living of the childs life, as well as the mother’s life and her family. God wanted me to share this story, to write it out so others would have a "book in hand" and hope to grab onto.

Where did you find your strength to deal with an abusive husband while raising three small children?

Judy: Back in those days you just tried to deal with it. You made excuses for why he was abusing you, you tried to avoid saying or doing anything that you thought would set him off. You DID NOT fight back, for you learned that in doing so you got hit a lot worse - or had to deal with more abusive actions - or words. Back then, 1966 to the 1970's, there were no shelters - at least none that I was aware of - and you just didn't talk about such issues/problems because of fear and because there was no one to talk to. I made it through those years by concentrating on my 3 small children - I had 3 children in 26 months, so that was my love and my life. And I felt truly blessed. I found strength in two Christian women, their love of God and my own love of God and I clung to Him with all my might.

What has been your biggest challenge in raising Kimmy? Biggest joy?

Judy: My biggest challenge in raising Kimmy was to keep her alive. She was born with two holes in her heart - and weak lungs. She couldn't swallow after birth so I would drip milk into her mouth and gently rub her throat to get her to swallow - to get her to drink 1/4 of an oz of milk would take an hour and 1/2, sometimes more, then a little while later we'd do it again. She was sick or ill every 4 months and would end up in the hospital, always the doctors would take me in a room separate from Kimmy and tell me that she probably will not make it through, and for me to be strong. This was the worse challenge, just keep her alive and helping her to grow as much as her body would allow.

My biggest joy, will that was seeing Kimmy walk at the age of 4. It was amazing, she defied the doctors predications again - and walked. She talked at around age 3 and that still brings smiles to my face and heart - for she again defied the doctor’s predications. My biggest joy was having her in my life for 42 1/2 years, having her ear to ear grin smiling at me and others. To be able to love, kiss and hug her for so many years makes me so thankful that God granted to me the gift of this child.

Explain how important it was to you to love each child equally and nurture individually? Did that come naturally?

Judy: Nurturing and loving each of the children wasn't that difficult. Each one had their own personalities, character, likes and dislikes. Just like other families have. But, with one of them being a special needs child you learned to have the other children engage in that life, in the day to day ups and downs of that little life. You showed no favoritism, but were always more aware of the handicap of Kimmy and her limited abilities. They learned to adjust to her limitations, love her and help me with her when she was sick or just not having a good day. I have 3 wonderful, sensitive and loving girls - I truly am a blessed woman.

To order Down Syndrome-Raising A Child Like Kimmy,
visit the author's website.