God's Gift --- Reviews & Feedback
Inspirational and Insightful: "God's Gift" is a gift to its reader.
By Lisa Inglis "Senior Writing Editor" (Manhattan, New York)
What does it mean to
be fortunate in life? What does it mean to be blessed? Mario Fedele
answers these questions in his deeply personal memoir, "God's Gift."
As most of us navigate
our own paths, drawn by the bright lights of financial comfort, career
success, and a nice home, others seem to be guided by a glow from
somewhere within that ultimately leads them to the real fortunes in
life. Mario Fedele is one such individual whose path, riddled with
potholes and seemingly insurmountable hills, has led him to a place of
gratitude and peace: "In spite of all the adversity I've faced and
still am plagued with, I consider myself a lucky man."
Lucky, would not be
how most of us would describe the hand Mario Fedele was dealt. His son,
Shaun, was born with a rare medical condition that resulted in numerous
physical ailments and behavioral challenges. Rather than handing over
the reins to doctors, Mario and his wife, Ann, developed their own
methods for overcoming obstacles: hope, love, and outside-of-the-box
ideas. The result is an inspiring and deeply captivating tale of
strength in the face of adversity and hope in the shadow of
devastation.
Told as a series of
events or eras in the Fedele household, "God's Gift" traverses the
rocky landscape of Shaun's young life, with a compelling candor and a
good dose of wit. Readers are invited into the hearts and minds of two
parents struggling to understand their child's needs and fighting to
create the best life for him. The perseverance of Mario and Ann is an
inspiration that pales only in comparison to the courage and resilience
of their son, Shaun.
"God's Gift" contains
a wealth of insights into life, health, medicine, and family that are
thought-provoking, poignant and refreshingly unconventional. This memoir
is a testament to the strength of family and the ability to overcome
personal struggles even when all hope seems lost. Readers will be left
with a profound sense of gratitude for their own blessings in life and
a deeper reverence for our greatest gift: family.
"God's Gift" is a well-told true story through the words of the father of a
family's struggle to find their way through catastrophic medical adversity .
A must read for any parent, especially for parents of a medically-challenged
child. I found the story particularly inspiring, deeply personal and
courageous. I felt privileged just to have read "God's Gift." I predict that
this title will be on Oprah's recommended book list one day soon.
James Shepherd
Reviewed by Vicki Amerault {Bowman}
I was first
attracted to the cover of this book. It constitutes a very pleasing
size and displays a unique and colorful design. My initial reaction was
that I was holding a book of quality.
As I opened the
pages and thumbed through, I found myself reading too far ahead, so I
decided to dig in from the very start. But all too soon, I reached the
ending and wished there'd been more.
I was amazed at
the detail Mr. Fedele employed, so precise and comprehendible.
I soon became wrapped up in the story, but I can hardly call it one, as
it details true-life incidents, incidents that you and I would find it
hard to imagine, let alone live through.
My heart went out to the parents of this child; the child that they would soon regard as a true Gift from God.
I particularly enjoyed Mr. Fedele's humor, which serves well to lighten the mood at opportune moments.
It's plain to
see that through their ordeal both parents remained steadfast and
strong, and offered their son all the support he required.
Of course, one clearly reads between the lines and is made to share the
anguish they felt.
Mr. Fedele
begins his memoir with the meeting of his long awaited true love, Ann.
I was touched by the way this couple started their life together,
having to face challenges that could have torn many a normal couple
apart.
I congratulate
you, Mr. Fedele, on the brilliant work you've created. The detail and
events are very well written and explained. They are simple to grasp
and bring the reader into the heartache and pain you and your wife had
to endure and eventually rise above.
Through it, I, the reader celebrated the joy that you and your wife
experienced.
This book is one
of faith, hope, and endurance. It's a marvelous resource for parents,
who are experiencing serious problems of their own, to identify with.
I can see why
this book is titled "God's Gift." Who other than God could have
precisely planned out the events of this family's journey through life?
Jeremiah 29; 11
"For I know the
thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and
plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your
final out-come."
Vicki P. Amerault. {Bowman}
Author of:
Julie through the looking glass.
Julie flies back to the past.
Spiral into hell {edited by Mario S. Fedele}
***
Matilda
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
GOD'S GIFT
MARIO S. FEDELE
ISBN# 1897261888
February 2007
Champagne Books
www.champagnebooks.com
280 Pages
Non fiction/memoir
Rating 3 Cups
Mario Fedele is just an
average guy who wants to tell the world of his everyday struggles
through life with a child that has special needs. Having to adapt in
many instances to fit the circumstance, he has given other parents a
look into his world and the way he made positives out of bad times.
Shaun, the son of Mario
and his wife Ann, has suffered many challenges since the day he was
born. He has mastered many of them through the help and determination
of his parents, countless therapists, doctors, and teachers.
From daily normal
struggles to more serious topics like Reye's syndrome and scoliosis,
Mario, his wife, and family are constantly tested. And through it all,
they remain a strong, united family.
This was an interesting
look at how one set of parents would not let their circumstances
determine what the outcome would be. Both serious and humorous topics
are covered within this story, allowing you a glimpse of a strong,
loving family.
***
Debbie Oliver
Executive Director
AboutFace USA
Mario S. Fedele has written a story not only about the challenges of raising a
child with special healthcare needs, but a story of family life and the
everyday tests each of us face as we make this journey through life. It's
refreshing to read a book that shows how life goes on, even as we struggle
with the medical urgencies of raising children with conditions such as
Stickler's Syndrome--we are real families, real people, rising above
adversity.
Visit our websites!
http://www.aboutfaceusa.org
http://www.cleftadvocate.org
*****
"God's Gift" is a
wonderful write. It has meaning and love, so much of what the world is
lacking. It is a plight of survival and, no matter what, shows that we
can go on.
Mr. Fedele shines light where many never seem to find it. What a blessing he has bestowed us.
Teresa Genot
****
I'm so excited
about your book...I can't stop bragging on it to my family..Im looking
at it now and can't get over how nice it looks; it's such a pretty
book.
I think it matters a lot how the cover looks, dont you? As it's the
cover that draws attention. I have read your book in the MS copy you
sent me, but I can't wait to get comfy and read it again.
I opened it awhile ago and read the first few pages.
The detail is absoulutly amazing. You have captured my attention in
just the first few pages.
So clear and understandable is your writing that one can almost imagine
they, themselves, were with you at the time of the events in your son's
life.
I cant wait to get into it and read on...
GB..
Vicki P Bowman
*****
I read God's Gift yesterday in one
sitting! I really enjoyed it. I felt so drawn into your life...like I
was a fly on the wall so to speak.
It was very easy to read. I didn't feel like I was trudging through
like I've often felt on "me" books. (You know, where the authors ego
swells and engulfs anything good the book could of been?) Nope, none of
that in God's Gift!
I was drawn into your trials and triumphs in dealing with and raising a
special needs child. I'm even using some of your ideas for my non
special needs 8 year old for whom all other traditional methods of
discipline have failed!
Over all this book was very well put together, though it did jump about
a bit more than I liked but that is a personal opinion not a
professional one ;)
Thank you for giving us all the opportunity to read your story and have
a glimpse into your life. I've learned a lot from it on top of being
well entertained.
Kudos to you!!
Christy Prescott
***
I
finished your book this afternoon. I have to tell you, I really enjoyed
it, and found the book to be both interesting and informative. I agree
with you about how you wrote the book. The parts with your son and his
many complications, would have been too overwhelming for the reader if
you had continued without adding other things in between. But since you
wrote about other experiences the family endured, it gave the reader a
kind of breather from all the hardships your son had to face.
I have to tip my hat off to you and your wife for all that you faced.
Sometimes we look at our own lives and think, "Boy do we have it bad,"
or "Why me?" Then we witness the suffering of others and realize that
our own situation isn't so difficult to endure after all. In most
cases, problems like your son's would have torn a marriage apart, but
in your case it brought you and Ann closer together. In my opinion that
is something to be proud of.
"God's Gift" is a book that has so much to offer and will make an
impact on whoever reads it. If anyone out there has had similar
circumstances as yours, they will walk away with a feeling that they
are not alone. And with some of the helpful strategies you've used in
your book, I think it would be beneficial for anyone.
C S Richard
***
A Must Read
I had the
pleasure of meeting Mario and his family on a recent vacation to
Vancouver Island. Having known of Mario as an author and reading his
previous works, I was rather interested in learning more about his
life.
God's Gift, is a true
story written about his son Shaun. It is a heart wrenching account of
the struggles this family faced, due to their son's numerous medical
conditions. The book begins with the Fedele's joyous birth of their son
Shaun, and then takes a devastating turn of events, leading to the
discovery of his complicated medical conditions.
After reading the
first few chapters, I was captivated by the story. At times it seems as
if all hope is lost for this family, but with courage and love they
manage to pull through the difficult times, and even become stronger
for it. The more I read the story, the more I admired this couple who
persevered and rose above their hardships.
God's Gift is a must
read for anyone who has ever encountered personal struggles. Mario
Fedele gives helpful advice on how they overcame the most dire
circumstances with their son's conditions. Throughout the book I was
able to relate to some of the difficulties they encountered, giving me
the sense I'm not alone.
Aside from the
accounts of Shaun's conditions, Mario Fedele weaves other aspects of
their lives into the chapters by adding humor to the story. Upon
completing this book, I felt very fortunate for my own life. I feel
many readers will walk away with the same sense of realization. Mario
and his wife Ann, endured more hardships than most people will ever
experience in a lifetime. Through it all they stayed together, looked
at the positive aspects of the situations they faced, worked through
their problems with grace and dignity, and thanked God everyday for his
greatest gift, their son.
Review written by: C.S. Richard
Author of Katie Courage and the Modulam Tomb
www.freewebs.com/csrichard
***
I have it, Mario, and am currently reading it. I am a fast reader but
have not been able to do it in one sitting. Too many demands on my
time!
I am greatly enjoying the book! I like the style that you use, I
feel as if I am in the room with you telling the story. Your son's
engaging personality comes through, despite all of his difficulties.
It is fun for me to read a book, knowing that I can then tell the
author himself what I think! You write here on the board in a very
similar "voice" as in your book. Therefore, I feel as if an old
friend is telling me the story. I'm very impressed with your honesty
in telling this story.
I finished the book this morning, Mario. Your trip across country
and everything that occured made for good reading. I liked the
epilogue about the number three. There certainly have been a lot of
3's in your life!
I read this book with great interest and was thoroughly absorbed in the
story of Shaun. Mario tells the story simply, with great honesty,
listing not only his successes, but also his failures in dealing with
Shaun and his problems. If you enjoy stories of families that are
dealing with children with special needs, then this book should not be
missed!
Karen Fidler
***
I really did enjoy "God's Gift," Mario - and completed it all in one sitting (not even a bathroom break!)
It was very "readable" and had a simple, charming flow, which I've come to associate with your writing on the board.
The story was told plainly; there was nothing maudlin or self-pitying
about it.
I liked how well it told of your life, in a non-judgmental way, and the
ways you discovered, little by little, Shaun's problems, and how you
dealt with them.
The overall feeling I had after finishing it was that there is nothing
insurmountable - it gave me hope and made me respect the narrator.
I would recommend "God's Gift" - not just for people dealing with a
child with limitations - but to anyone who has ever felt sorry for
themselves.
I'm proud to know the author.
Josephine Odierno
***
I woke up at 4
a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep so I got back to reading "God's
Gift." I stopped at 7:30 to get ready to travel for our chiropractic
appointment but started reading again when we got home. I just finished
it.
It was great!
I laughed. I cried.... I thoroughly enjoyed it.
You should be very proud of your work!
I am glad things turned out so well for Shaun. I realize he will always have health concerns but it could have been much worse.
The story also made me realize how lucky we have been and how good
things are in our life compared to others. Thanks for that too!
Bonita Poulin
Canadian Coordinator
GLOBAL RECOGNITION CAMPAIGN
www.mcs-global.org
***
I have just finished reading your book!!
It's awesome!!
I was overwhelmed and
filled with admiration when I got to the end of the story!!
What an amazing experience you and Ann have had throughout the years. I
am hoping there will be no more agony coming to your family.
Tessie Chapman
I just finished reading your book.
It was such a treat to read. I found it so fascinating that I was sad when it was over.
This touching story shows us what parents go through each and every day when they have a special needs child.
I work with special needs children and we see daily some of the
challenges these young peeple have to endure, but no one really
realizes what the whole family must overcome. My heart goes out to Mary
Ann whom I am sure had to take a back seat once in a while.
This book should be in all school libraries for all children to read or have read to them. It is very easy to digest.
Bessie Harvey
Skills for Life Assistant
***
Mr. Fedele: I finished your book! I thoroughly enjoyed
it, and I was humbled by your stamina, courage and devotion....am somewhat envious that you retired at 38!!!
Your son is a lucky young man, and you, no doubt have been enriched by
all that was demanded of you to help him through the challenges he had
to face. Sounds like you have been a true ''father'': nuturing,
encouraging, enabling and loving.
My mother is reading the book now.
Congratulations on
the achievement of getting your book off the drawing board, and into the bookstores.
It must have been a long journey, but well worth the trip!
Rita Laurendeau
I really enjoyed reading your book, "God's Gift."
Your story is such an
inspiration, and you are so positive. You and your family have been
through all the challenges a family can face, and I am so inspired by
the courage and bravery and the love and strength that shines through.
You have been blessed with a beautiful family, and they have been blessed to have you!
Your book is a testament that "Love conquers all."
It was a really good read, too.
God bless you all.
Debbie Kiley
God does not cause bad things in our lives, but He does allow
it. You and your wife were chosen by God to have Shaun as your son. It
was no shock to God that he was going to be born with certain
issues. But you were honored and chosen.
What God expects from us is how are we going to deal with it: Are
we going to give up? Put the child up for adoption?
As for you! You ran
the race. It was hard at many times, but God's power and strength got you
through all that.
God must have the glory for what you went through, and for
you to get up and speak of this and give your testimony would really
show that if God can/did it for you, He too will
help others through any situation.
Vicki P. Bowman, author of "Spiral into Hell"
http://www.freewebs.com/vicolive/
I do want to tell you that I have finished reading your book, "God's Gift," and wanted to tell you that it is an amazing story.
You have been tested by God, and He has seen your strength: in
yourself, your son, your daughter, your wife, and most importantly in
Him.
I have never had to deal with a sick child as you have, and for this I am most grateful to God.
Thank you for shareing your story with me. I hope that it does as well
as you would like it to. Who knows maybe the right person will read it
and want to do a movie about it.
I am very glad that you have been getting good feedback on your book;
as if anyone could read this and not appreciate what it has to say
about faith, hope, a strong belief of God, and the love of a family,
then they should not be allowed to read.
It is my pleasure to take the time to see what I can do to help get
your story heard, as a story of true belief and the triumph over
adversity, no matter how much of it is thrown at us, is something that
we all could use more of.
I found myself taking your book with me everywhere I went and would
read it when I had a minute or an hour. I had another book that I
wanted to start reading, something that I had read before and had
finally found a copy of at the liberary, but would not even start it
until I had given your book the time it deserved.
Theresa S. Ballard
Mario Fedele is a writer who has
penned an extraordinary book
from the annals of his own life.
Using the memories and lessons
learned from his odyssey with his
son, his memoir, God's Gift, is a
rich and rewarding journey into
one family's hardships, which can
enrich and support people
everywhere. Mario relates his
story with nothing but heart.
It's
simply sensational.
He lives in
Canada.
Web Digest Weekly
Carey Parrish
"God's Gift" needs
to be read by everyone, especially those dealing with a chronic illness
or dealing with a loved one with a chronic illness. It is inspiring and
worth reading! It is not expensive and makes a great present for a
friend, loved one or family member. Thanks, Mario, for giving your
talent and time in writing this book! It helped me dealing with
myasthenia gravis and I bought a friend a copy and she loved it. I plan
to buy a few more for my sisters and my parents.
Debbie Brogdon
I
will definitely mention to my pastor about "God's Gift." I didn't even
think of our church library but that is an excellent place for your
book. When we add a book it is posted in our church bulletin so I know
it will get a lot of recognition. Today, I am planning on calling Books
A Million and Barnes and Nobles to see if they can get me some for
Christmas presents. There is no way a person can read this book and not
be inspired and touched. Thanks for writing it!
Debbie Brogdon
I want to tell you
how much I liked "God's Gift." When I ordered it, I thought it might be
very sad, due to your son's condition. Instead, I found it to be a
story that all can relate to. Many of the chapters contained stories
that reminded me of the little trials and triumphs we all experience.
It brought back memories of events that occurred while raising my own
children and of my grandchildren that I had long forgotten. But most of
all I was impressed with the extreme love and devotion you have for
your son. I'm so glad I read it.
Denise Evans
Mr.
Fedele, I just decided to google your book title and first name to see
what came up. Wow! Pages and pages of your book all over the place on
all sorts of websites. The even neater thing was I didn't see a
negative word about it! That is just amazing. Eventually someone, some
where won't like this or that, but I have yet to come across that with
your book. You've really got something there...
In sharing your gift with others, you've opened people's eyes to their
own gifts they've rejected or over looked. You've brought peace and
comfort to others. In my own life, you've given me a few tools to deal
with a difficult child.
Christy Prescott
I
just wanted to let you know that I finished "God's Gift" today, &
it was fabulous. It gave me great inspiration for dealing with Ryan's
deafness. You & your wife are two very special people. The love
& caring that you showed your son through his medial ordeals, is
truly admirable. I only hope that I can be as good of a parent to my
Sweet Ryan that you two have been to Shaun. I was talking to one of my
friends last night at work & I feel that God let you find me to
give me guidance & support during a truly rough time that I have
been going through the past year. However, your words of encouragement
& suppport along with this wonderful book are truly helping me to
come out of the sadness that I have felt since Ryan's diagnosis. It
really does help to talk to others who have been through similar
circumstances & have guidance from them. I am so thankful that God
guided you to me during this time of need. Words can not express the
appreciation that I feel for you & THANK YOU sooooo much for your
FRIENDSHIP!!! I cherish it!!!
Angela Plummer
If you never read
another book this year, a must read is "God's Gift" by Mario S Fedele.
It will move you and make you realize that all things are possible with
the love and support of family. More importantly the love and faith you
have in God.
I totally enjoyed "God's Gift" and can relate on so many areas of it.
God has blessed Mr. Fedele will the gift of words so that he could
share this with the world.
Everything from Shaun's feet being turned out to swimmers ear thru
special ed teachers--good and bad--I have gone through as well. There
are so many things that are the same that it would take another book
just to list them all.
I am strongly suggesting to all I know that they read this book.
I have also contacted my local library and have offered to buy the book
for them.
In addition, I have written a blurp in my work paper telling people
they should read this book, too.
By the way, I am enjoying your other books as well.
Karen Dietrich
Mr. Fedele, I finished your book! It was wonderful!!! You
told it very well. It makes you appreciate what you have and like you
said you think your situation is bad and then you see someone who is
far worse. I hated to see the pain you and Ann had to go through with
Shaun. But it was wonderful to see the good times too. I just wanted to
tell you that you've done a wonderful job.
You are an amazing father. Adopting Mary Ann was wonderful. Not many
men would take on a child who is not their blood. I applaud you for
that.
The book did give me valuable insights. I will be sure to pass your
work along and recommend it to anyone.
My husband said I must have really liked your book because I haven't
sat down to read in almost a year. Usually if a book doesn't grab my
attention within the first few pages, it won't. But once I started
reading, I didn't want to put your book down.
I look forward to getting
your other books as soon as I can.
Kim, a reader
Your
writing is very moving. I think it's something that any loving parent
can identify with, too. We would jump in front of that train to save
our child, yet most of us are not called to do so. I have nothing but
admiration for you and Ann and your incredible strength in a time when
most of us were solely concerned with how to bathe the little ones.
I'm humbled and am in awe of what you've accomplished.
Annie Sleightholm
Your story helps others
in their struggles to learn how to triumph over theirs. It gives hope
that if this family can overcome these things, then surely I can
overcome my petty situation. It puts things in perspective for some of
us who really need it, and it warms my heart that I am blessed to run
across folks such as yourself in my life; folks who are just wonderful
examples of how we can rise up and handle stuggles in our lives without
giving up. You are a bright light in the universe and we need to
surround ourselves with as much light as we can.
Danabeth Frye
I
bought this book, as my friend Mr. Fedele authored it. I absolutely
loved it, and would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. The
story is a poignant memoire of the Fedele family's life when their son,
Shaun, is born and later diagnosed with the rare disorder, Stickler's
Syndrome. Causing multiple physical, emotional, and behavioral
problems, this family is suddenly tossed into a world that they must
learn to navigate, and quickly, at that. What would cause most of us to
crumble does not cause this family to fall apart. On the contrary, it's
an account of the journey that strengthens the bonds of love, family,
and faith. You will come to feel that you are watching over their
shoulders and cheering them on with each new hurdle they encounter. In
the end, you'll likely be humbled by things in every day life, though
seemingly horrid at the time, pale in comparison to what the Fedele's
endure. Please read this book, and share it with those you love. It
will make your heart grow by leaps and bounds, I guarantee.
A. P. Sleightholm
The
book, "God's Gift," by talented author Mario S. Fedele, is truly a
wonderful story of a family--the author and his wife--whose life became
problematic after their son is born. Their precious child, diagnosed
with Stickler's syndrome, experienced one medical problem after
another. But the loving couple were energetic and tactful in finding
ways to resolve their issues.
"God's Gift" is published for readers to understand the meaning of a
never-ending love and sacrifice for one's beloved children.
I recommend this book for its beautiful story about strong family
bonds.
Tessie Chapman
Go to your bookstores
and ask for this book, "God's Gift," or go to your local library and
ask them to get it. This is a great read. It is a memoir written by my
friend, Mario S. Fedele, about his life raising a very special child
with a rare condition called Stickler's syndrome. For all you readers out
there, I am sure you will enjoy it or if you are a parent struggling to
raise children this is a great read. Mario is also an author of young
adult books, so next time you are browsing the library or bookstore
please look into his books.
Thanks to all my friends on the web for your interest in my interests.
Sincerely,
Sandra
I got your book
in the mail yesterday when I got home at 5pm. I had it read all the way
through by 10pm ( I am a speed reader).
Your book was wonderful and I
fully understand everything you have gone through.
Thanks for your
insightful book.
I am sending it to my parents and grandparents to
read.
Jennifer Oliver
