For Pete’s Sake!
"For years, Pete had wittered on to us about wanting a mobile ‘phone. For lots of reasons, we were against the idea. At the time, they were still an expensive item and the chances of him losing it, having it stolen or even of him throwing it out of the window if he was in a bad mood, seemed all too likely!
Eventually, a couple of years ago, we decided that as mobile ‘phones really had come down in price, we would take the risk and buy him one for Christmas.
He was thrilled to bits with his present and immediately wanted to be shown how it worked.
One morning, a couple of days after Christmas, the house ‘phone rang and I went to answer it.
“Hello. It’s me,” came a very recognisable voice.
“Hello,” I replied. “Where are you?”
“I’m in bed. I just thought I’d tell you that I’m awake now.” A slight pause, then, “Can I have some coffee?”
For his cheek, he got toast as well but with the clear instruction that it wouldn’t happen again!"
(Abstract from "For Pete's Sake!" by Yvonne Crabtree by www.petanpublishing.co.uk)
When you've dedicated your life to bringing up your child with special needs, what better way to celebrate their (and your) achievement, than by writing down the good bits and the bad bits. Recording the quirks and the habits. Recounting the funny moments and the challenging times and putting it all in to a book.
This is exactly what author and Mother, Yvonne Crabtree has done in her often whimiscal and honest account of life with her son Pete.
Yvonne Crabtree, author says: “Despite Pete’s various problems, he has good language and an excellent sense of humour and I’ve always had a wealth of stories and anecdotes to relate about him over the years. I was eventually persuaded to write them all down and in doing so hoped to raise a bit of cash for the home where Pete lives, as well as awareness of what life can be like for the families of people with Down’s Syndrome. Life with Pete is a bit like doing a complicated jigsaw whilst wearing a blindfold – he didn’t come with an instruction booklet, so we find ourselves groping our way along, trying to help him as best we can. We may not always succeed but one thing is for sure - life is never dull!”
Proceeds from "For Pete's Sake!", raised over £2000 for the John Gaffney Care Home - a specialist residential home in Bradford for people with a range of disabilities where Peter now lives.
Her sequel - " On no! Not you again!" - has just been published by Petan Publishing and costs ands both books can be purchased directly from Petan Publishing on-line at www.petanpublishing.co.uk.
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