130 pages pdf eBook

Reading this book will help anyone look at disability with new eyes.

Tom is 19, a delightful, loving young man who, despite his limitations, gives everyone who comes into contact with him much joy.

Henrietta and Nick, his parents, have supported Tom and fought to ensure that he received appropriate care and education. Tom was born at the Findhorn Foundation community in Scotland where his parents and older sister, Beatrice, were living. As he grew up, it gradually became obvious that he was not quite like other children. His parents found it hard to come to terms with this and continued for some years to hope that Tom would eventually catch up with his peers.

In this moving and honest book, Henrietta describes their journey together as a family through difficult and ultimately joyful times. The greatest achievement for all the Rose family has been their own inner growth and their deepening awareness of what is really important in our relationships and acceptance of each other. Tom has helped to bring them this gift.

Reading this book will help anyone look at disability with new eyes. For those in similar situations there is the added reassurance that they are not alone, and that there is joy and hope to be found in even the most difficult moments. For all of us, there is the knowledge that Tom, and many others who are somehow ‘different’ can, if we are open to it, enrich our lives.

"The book, Tom – A Gift in Disguise, is absorbing and moving, full of candid passages... a brave and honest book."
--Brigid McConville, The Guardian Newspaper

"A moving and sometimes searingly honest account of an often painful but ultimately enlightening family journey from despair to acceptance and hope."
--Clare Parrack, The Gloucestershire Echo

Watch a video of Tom at age 30:

Tom from Jamie Childs on Vimeo.