We were lucky to catch up with Linda Bonner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Linda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

When my son, Kevin, was born with Down Syndrome in 1989 I was overwhelmed and and struggled with despair. I couldn’t see any possibility for a happy or fulfilling life nor could I get passed the diagnosis. I became isolated and only had the energy to care for my child; not much more.

I returned to work but didn’t have any zest or motivation. As I started to talk to others I found myself sharing my story and got so much love and encouragement. And it continued.

As my son grew I was slowly connecting with others both inside and outside the disability community. What was once a tragedy started to become an opportunity to learn more about Down Syndrome. And the learning continues today!

I found small victories to celebrate and started sharing those successes. Instead of feeling bound by the Down Syndrome diagnosis I was starting to live. I found that people were not just curious but interested in this unique journey I was on and were very encouraging. By the time my son was in elementary school I was sharing about my extraordinary child with anyone who would listen.

I was connecting with other parents of children with Down Syndrome, medical professionals, school staff and others. I started getting encouragement to find a way to share my story with more people who suggested that I write a book.

I found myself saying, “I’m in the throes of parenting! I don’t have time to write a book.” But the idea remained with me as my son grew. I found myself sharing disability resources, connecting parents to each other, and even mentoring new parents. This was a time of incredible growth for me! More importantly it was a time of acceptance and gratitude.

We had been through heart surgery at 10 months, 2 sets of ear tubes, speech delays which introduced us to the power of sign language and speech therapy, physical delays such as walking due to low muscle tone, heart surgery, pacemaker surgery, and more.

Even with all my connections, I found myself searching for resources like specialists and social opportunities, support in the form of sitters and caregivers, and feeling like there was always a new question or issue to research. Who could help? How can I find the right resource? (This was before the robust internet we know today.)

On top of all that was the staring, people that purposely avoided us, whispers, etc. The experience of my son not being accepted because he looked different was so hurtful. Those antiquated myths were all many people knew. It was easier to avoid than engage…and they were totally missing out!

My son has a smile that lights up a room. Even before he could talk he would engage people with his infectious, magnetic smile. Today, even with a severe stutter, he works hard to engage people in conversation. He’s curious, interested and interesting!

Those days of avoidance and staring continue today. At 35, restaurant staff and others often look to me to talk for him. These are issues that can be changed in society with education and understanding.

My mission is to help people understand the value and capabilities of individuals with Down Syndrome and other disabilities so they engage and interact to build more vibrant and inclusive communities everywhere. The benefits include societal, economic, medical, business and more.

Out of this mission, my book “Blessed with Extraordinary: Support and resources for families of children with Down Syndrome” was born. I share my personal stories to touch people’s hearts, give them a glimpse into our extraordinary life journey, provide a variety of resources for parents that are searching, outline a roadmap for an incredible journey and educate community members and leaders to help them include, engage and value all members of the community regardless of any challenge or disability they might have. This is my journey to Joy!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a multi-passionate creative soul! Let me explain.

Author:
I am an International best selling author with my new book “Blessed with Extraordinary: Support and resources for families of children with Down Syndrome”. It is the culmination of a 35 year journey raising my son with Down Syndrome. Writing this book, sharing my story, equipping parents and inspiring communities has been one of life’s greatest treasures.

This book allows me to be a guide and resource for parents, a source of education and understanding for communities and a champion for people with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. My goal is to celebrate the beauty, abilities, and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome around the world.

Artist:
I have been artistic and creative my entire life. When I was introduced to Art-O-Mat (TM) in 2018 I officially accepted the title of artist! Since then, I have created 1,000’s of pieces of original miniature art which are sold in Art-O-Mat machines around the world!

Card Designer:
One of early Art-O-Mat projects was “Petite Notes”. They are miniature note cards with handmade envelopes (2″ x 3″) and they’ve been quite popular! One day a friend of mine asked if I made full-sized cards and, of course, the answer was YES.

Since then I have been designing handcrafted custom cards for business and individuals for all occasions. I love working with small business on Thank You notes and others. I especially love when they see the benefits of a handwritten card when it comes to employee retention, customer referrals and repeat business.

I also create custom and personalized orders from individuals for unique Wedding, Get Well, Sympathy and Birthday cards. It brings me so much joy to present them with a card that represents their recipient, a special design or color, and one that is personalized.

I’m grateful to be able to express my creativity in so many ways!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

There are several things that helped build my reputation as an author. The first was getting the Amazon International Bestseller designation. It lends credibility making people more likely to review and purchase my book and workbook.

Next was telling my story every chance I had to my target audience as well as referral partners. Sharing some of the stories from the book has given me a way to relate to people on a more personal level.

Another powerful resource is networking. It gave me a larger audience where I could share my story, my passion, and my mission of empowering and equipping families, educating community members and leaders, and celebrating the beauty, abilities, and capabilities of individuals with Down Syndrome.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My overall mission is two-fold:

– To help and guide parents on their journey of raising their child with Down Syndrome by sharing resources to build a successful life for them and their child.

– To inform community members and leaders about the beauty, value, and capabilities of individuals with Down Syndrome. I want people to get comfortable being around and engaging with individuals with Down Syndrome and other disabilities to help create a more vibrant and inclusive society.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: @more_extraordinary_days
• Facebook: More Extraordinary Days
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-bonner-4953211a7/

Image Credits

Allison Amores Photography, LLC