A father's exhilarating and funny love letter to his daughter with Down
syndrome whose vibrant and infectious approach to life has something to
teach all of us about how we can better live our own.
Jillian Daugherty was born with Down syndrome. The day they brought her
home from the hospital, her parents, Paul and Kerry, were flooded with
worry and uncertainty, but also overwhelming love, which they channeled
to "the job of building the better Jillian." While their daughter had
special needs, they refused to allow her to grow up needy--"Expect,
Don't Accept" became their mantra. Little did they know how ready
Jillian was to meet their challenge.
Paul tells stories from Jillian's mischievous childhood and moves to her
early adulthood, tracing her journey to find happiness and purpose in
her adult life, sharing endearing anecdotes as well as stories about her
inspiring triumphs. Having graduated from high school and college,
Jillian now works to support herself, and has met the love of her life
and her husband-to-be, Ryan.
In An Uncomplicated Life, the parent learns as much about life from
the child as the child does from the parent. Through her unmitigated
love for others, her sparkling charisma, and her boundless capacity for
joy, Jillian has inspired those around her to live better and more
fully. The day Jillian was born, Paul says, was the last bad day. As he
lovingly writes, "Jillian is a soul map of our best intentions"--a model
of grace, boundless joy, and love for all of us.
