Danson: an illustration of childhood wisdom for the ages

Giveaway is closed.

Since becoming a mother, I’ve learned to appreciate the instinctive wisdom of children. I revel is the precocious nature of young children who don’t yet have the words or maturity to express their deepest and most profound thoughts. When I wade through the babble and excitement, I find that children are my life’s teachers. The lesson they teach with relentless devotion is love. And the world needs more of it.

Sadly, the busyness of work and family quiets the voices of children as adults busily move from point A to point B. It’s never our intent to diminish the wisdom of our children, but their small voices are easily overpowered by the “important things in life” like political correctness, jobs, bills, personal and world crisis, etc. Eventually, their raw, honest and genuine passion fades into the background as parents admonish their children to “pay attention” or “be nice!” Beautiful childhood wisdom is left untapped and hidden from the world. But for one little boy, the wisdom is being unleashed:

Have you ever felt like a person is not beautiful inside?
See what you made me like
And see God inside me always.
I am writing because you showed me I could.
Give me safety like right now.
Maintain fighting for me, Mom, so I can fight too.
I have so much to say.
-From Danson (St. Lynn’s Press, 2009)

These are the words of Danson, a 9-year-old non-verbal autistic boy who, with the help of his mother, Michele Pierce Burns, has written a engaging collection of poems and other writings that offer a unique view into the world of an autistic child. I am captivated by the depth of Danson’s intelligence and surprised at his unique spiritual insights. I am struck by the vivid way Danson expresses his anger, frustration, and love as he navigates the complicated inner world of autism.

Beyond reminding us of the brilliance of children, Danson is a powerful resource for those who are touched by children with autisim. The book offers hope and inspiration to those trapped in the mystery of autism. Danson is a powerful book that you must read.

Receive a copy of Danson
One (1) lucky readers will receive a complimentary copy of Danson. Just leave a comment here with one pearl of wisdom you gained from a child. Comment must be received on or before 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, September 2, 2009.

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Giveaway Guidelines
This giveaway is open to US residents only. I’m giving away one (1) copy of the book Danson: The extraordinary discovery of an autistic child’s innermost thoughts and feelings. You must enter a valid email address when submitting your comment; entries will be verified. Please note, any comments that simply say “enter me,” “pick me,” or something similar will not count. Entries must be received by 11:59 pm EST on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Winners will be chosen at random by Random.org and announced here by Friday, September 4, 2009. Winner has 48 hours to respond to my e-mail request for their mailing address before forfeiting their prize. Forfeited prizes will be given to another randomly selected entry.

Welcome back, loyal reader! Thanks for coming back for more. Please join the conversation and leave a comment.

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