“I know of other mothers who have children with disabilities, and right away they loved them and decided to fight for them. That isn’t my story.” –Gillian Marchenko
Sun Shine Down, Gillian Marchenko’s memoir, is an honest and poignant tale of a mother’s life shattered by Down syndrome.
In her memoir, Gillian recounts the birth of Polly, her third daughter by emergency c-section, in the Ukraine. At that time, Gillian was a Christian missionary in the Ukraine with her husband Sergei. Days later they were told Polly had Down syndrome, and their whole life was turned upside down.
After leaving their missionary work in Ukraine and moving back to the states, Gillian struggles to regain her footing and come to terms with Polly’s diagnosis. Weighed down by depression, Gillian turns to alcohol for escape and consolation while trying to keep up appearances as a good mother, and a pastor’s wife.
Gillian’s writing is bold, brave, and transparent in its vulnerability. Very few authors write with such honesty.
Sun Shine Down is a story of a mother grappling to come to terms with her daughter’s diagnosis and struggling to find the faith to cope with a new normal. Every parent reading this book will arrive at the understanding that it’s okay to grieve and to find happiness in their own time and in their own way.
With over 39 five star reviews I’m not the only parent who highly recommends Sun Shine Down as your next must-read book! –Michael Woods
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