Can Do!

About the Book

This book is a tribute to a young woman and her family who have had tremendous struggles and great faith. Whenever we have struggles, we can either meet them with hope or hopelessness. Some of us take longer to learn this than others. We do have the choice to choose which way we will go. This is our God given right! He loves us enough to let us choose. We all have a measure of faith, and this book will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that we can all become over-comers.

This is a story of a young couple who were given a choice. They were told that their third child had cerebral palsy and she should be institutionalized. She could be mentally retarded and would never be able to do anything on her own. This couple listened to their hearts instead of a diagnosis. They looked into their baby’s eyes and saw hope and intelligence. We’ve all heard the “still small voice” and felt the “gut level feeling” or “strong inner knowing”. LISTEN! That is hope speaking to you.

I have a personal interest in this couple. They were our neighbors and we came to know them and love them. Some of their deepest “valleys” and greatest “mountaintop” experiences became part of my life also. You will laugh and you may cry. My hope is that you learn to laugh at yourself a little more and practice listening to your own heart. It will speak truth to you about many things that will be shared here. You may get angry at some of man’s injustices to man and you will rejoice in the triumphs. When you have finished reading this book, I hope you will understand that we all have “weaknesses” and “strengths”. You will begin to understand that all of life presents continual opportunities for growth, if you allow it to do so.

About the Author

Jean Getchman lives in Columbia, Illinois with her husband,Bill. She is the mother of four children and the grandmother of six. This is her first endeavor as an author. She feels that this book will be a great inspiration to those with disabilities and their caregivers. She hopes that this book will inspire everyone who reads it. It has been a labor of love. She also wants to thank Sue and Steve for their expertise and help in getting this book ready for publication. It has been invaluable. Also thanks to Joan, Debbie, Diane, Dan and Mark for the time they have given to me to help make this book possible. The story could not have been told without all or your input.