KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Edward Newsome and his son, Edward Newsome II, signed copies of their new book on Sunday.
The book, titled “Down Syndrome & The Power of a Father’s Love,” details their life together and Newsome’s experiences raising a child with Down syndrome.
“When he was born, there was very little information for fathers. Most of the advice was for mothers,” Newsome said. The book shares insights he wishes he had known 45 years ago. “There is no school that teaches you how to be a father, especially to a child with special needs,” he added.
“I wish every child had a father like mine,” Edward Newsome II said. “He loves me just the way I am, just the way God made me.” Jokingly, his dad asked, “What do you think about your dad?” Edward II replied, “Oh, a handsome, happy, great father.”
Newsome has been deeply involved in the Down syndrome community, serving on the board of directors of the National Down Syndrome Congress. He says he has learned a lot from his son. “One beautiful thing about my son and people with Down syndrome is that they are loving people. He taught me how to love. He’s very forgiving and just a likable guy.”
The book’s message is clear. “Life does not end when a child is born with Down syndrome; it’s just beginning. There are tough times, but everything you need to handle a crisis is already inside of us,” Newsome said.
