Writing my memoir wasn’t exactly easy so why did I think developing the “right” book cover would be any different? Given the title, the front had to include a heart. And I wanted to incorporate the colors blue and yellow, which the Down syndrome community uses to promote awareness. My publisher and I sorted through over a dozen potential images, but none spoke to me. Until…

In this photo, the blanket’s configuration resonated with me – symbolizing both love and protection. Both enduring emotions for a mother, and, for me, emotions which always intensified whenever Steve was involved. Also the image of those baby feet reminded me of a memorable incident early in Steve’s life – the result of my effort to enroll him in a nursery school for typical children in the town where we lived, Marshfield, Massachusetts.

Butterflies danced in my stomach as I mounted the steps on a late August morning. Barbara Keith greeted me and led me inside to a spacious classroom filled with natural light. I listened as Mrs. Keith, a fortyish woman with a warm smile and a pixie strawberry blond hair- cut, gave me an overview of the two-day-a-week pre-nursery program. She spoke with the unbridled enthusiasm of a woman who loved little ones and the opportunity to work with them.
“We see each child as an individual, following their own unique developmental path. At this age there is no ‘right’ time to learn something, so much depends on the child’s interest.” I nodded in agreement.
“So, what does a typical morning look like at Steeple School?” I asked. I wanted school to be fun for Steve. I didn’t want him in over his head.
“Children your son’s age learn through play. Most of our time is unstructured. We simply make a variety of activities available: art and music exploration, blocks, dress-up. Our outside time is geared toward large muscle development.”
Mrs. Keith continued. “As the year progresses, we do build in some structure. We want our children to learn to attend, to develop a span of attention appropriate to their age.” I nodded in agreement Of course, not all children learn the same skills at the same time,” she said. “We expect and value diversity.” She paused and looked at me. “So, tell me about your son. His name is Steve, right?”
I took a deep breath, nodded, gulped, and began. “Steve is my first born. He will turn three on September 27. His brother Michael is fourteen months younger.” I raced on. I needed to get Steve’s diagnosis out, before I lost my nerve. “But the thing about Steve is…ah…he has Down syndrome.”
For a moment whips of silence swirled around the room, broken only by the sound of birds chirping madly outside through the open windows.
“Oh,” replied Mrs. Keith. “I’ve never met anyone with Down syndrome before and I really don’t know much about children such as your son.” She hesitated, then leaned in and smiled. “Why don’t you tell me about Steve? What’s his personality like? What does he enjoy doing? What do you see as his strengths, his challenges? What are your hopes and dreams for him?”
I struggled to hold back the tears which filled my eyes. Folks seldom asked about Steve as just a kid. Usually comments included a qualifier or sympathy. Barbara Keith’s response relaxed me, and words tumbled out of my mouth like a rogue wave breaking offshore.
I told her Steve was amazing. He was determined, resilient, and never gave up on himself. “He is a happy kid, with a great sense of humor. He is kind to his brother…well, most of the time,” I said with a grin. I paused to take a breath. “He does have delays, especially in language development. He doesn’t have a lot of words right now, but he understands everything we say and can follow directions— especially when he knows his mom or dad means business.”
“Can you see him as part of a class here this fall?”
“Oh yes! I absolutely can! Steve would love it and I think for the most part he would fit right in. I really do.” Did I sound like I was begging? Please lady, just give him a chance.
Mrs. Keith had one more question. “How does Steve feel when you leave him with others? Does he show any anxiety or cry if he knows you aren’t going to be with him?”
I laughed. “Steve doesn’t care if I am with him or not. He has al- ways been like that. He will go with anyone.”
Mrs. Keith leaned back. “I think Steve sounds pretty typical of many of our children when they start out with us in pre-nursery. I’d love to have him join our class.”
With that statement Barbara Keith became an ardent member of Steve’s “village.” For two years Steve was successful student in her classroom. He had many friends and participated all activities – albeit in his own fashion!

Long before the terms “accommodation” and “inclusion” became part of special education parlance, Barbara Keith knew how to make things work for Steve. When he and his classmates were introduced to finger paints, he wanted nothing to do with the cool, squishy substance. This was the first sign of his tactile sensitivity, a common trait for children born with Down’s. On the day when the class lined up to make handprints for Mother’s Day, Steve adamantly refused to put his hand in the pool of white finger paint. Mrs. Keith wondered if he would be willing to make a footprint instead and helped him remove his shoes and socks. Without hesitation, Steve stepped in the white puddle and stomped his bare foot on the paper with a vengeance. Later Mrs. Keith told me once Steve finished, several of his classmates begged to make their footprints.
Throughout his life many individuals saw Steve and made assumptions based on his appearance – especially his facial features. But those, like Barbara Keith, who chose to see deeply, gained invaluable insight into what it means to be human.
Linda, Congratulations on completing your book. I can not wait to read it. I love, love the cover.
Love, Brenda
Thanks Brenda, I hope you enjoy it! You and Wayne were key players of Steve’s “village.”
Barbara Keith was an angel. So glad she came into Steve’s life!
As Steve was fond of saying, “You got that right!” Barbara Keith was indeed an angel. I tried connecting with her about a year ago and was unsuccessful. I just hope she knew the important role she played in Steve’s life
Love this cover Linda! It’s perfect. I look forward to reading the book! My nephew has Down’s and we’ve all learned so much from him. Best of luck 🥰
Thanks Gretchen, I hope Heart Of This Family will help readers continue to SEE and learn from individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
Linda was the principal in the school where I taught. I was always inspired by her commitment to help each child become part of the school community! Her experience and dedication to Steve served her well in becoming the a compassionate and strong leader that I truly admired. I know that this book will inspire others as well.
Wow! Thanks so much Rena for your kind words. I really do feel that all three of my sons taught me so much about how to create a school community for ALL children. Once it is available for publication, hopefully sometime in August, Green Mt Books will carry Heart Of This Family.
Stunning cover. My heart just melted
Thanks Susan, it is happening
I just happened to notice that my work calendar reminds me today is “steve’s anniversary”….the anniversary that we absolutely HAD TO celebrate every year with cake, candles, bunches of staff members, all there to acknowledge another year of Steve at Healthy Living. Steve demanded it, and we we more than happy to oblige. Today we still miss Steve working hard in “his aisle.”
Thanks Katy, Once the book is available I am hoping you can “stock” some copies at Health Living.
Love this – how lucky for you Linda to find a kind soul at this point in Steve’s life- can’t wait to read the book! Love and miss you and soo sad covid hit and I couldn’t help with your recovery
Thanks Jan, Kim at Green Mt Books will be carrying my book once it is available…hopefully sometime in August
Linda this is a beautiful story and I am grateful for Barbara Keith giving Steve a place in the preschool and supporting his growth. What a gift to you, to Steve and to all the other children in that classroom. She was ahead of her time in ‘inclusion’. But… let’s not forget that you are the trailblazer bold enough to show up to enroll him. You didn’t ‘beg’ or apologize or ask ‘would it be okay?’. You showed up and said “I have a son ready for preschool”, and made it the right thing to do. I love you and all you did for Steve, and for me. You make the world a better place for all of us.
Thanks Heather, but it was your mother who gave me the encouragement I needed to even think such a thing as Steve attending nursery school would be possible.
Sweet real life story Linda, with a happy ending! I can just see Steve stamping his foot as you describe. I found the drawing he did of “the house that moved”. I was thinking of giving it to you for your birthday this year. Then Eileen mentioned you might rather have us make a copy and keep the original in our collection of Vermont artists! Your choice. Our love and congratulations to you. Well done!
Thanks Lynn, Glad you found Steve’s drawing. I will send you an email regarding it.
Congratulation, Linda. I love the cover.
Thanks Roy, Lisa was so helpful during this process.
Book covers are hard. Yours is beautiful!
Thanks Laura, Lisa was so patient and determined to help me find just the “right” cover.