Overview

"Raising Owen: An Extra-ordinary Memoir of Motherhood is the story of a first time mother coming to terms with her oldest son's surprise diagnosis of Down syndrome shortly after his birth. Like any first time mother, Suzanne Lezotte assumed having her first baby would come with all the usual pleasures and trials of motherhood, except one-an unexpected diagnosis of Down syndrome when her son Owen was seven days old. Her every expectation of parenthood was derailed. The fantastic plans she had laid out in her imagination for her perfect child crumbled, and forced her to confront her own beliefs, and to embrace a world of uncertainty. Suzanne shares details of her own transformation from initial complete grief and denial to total acceptance and advocacy for her son, just as he is. She takes the reader on a quest for full inclusion for Owen from preschool through high school. ""Life will not be a special needs class"" became her motto and she still uses it as her guide today. While Suzanne's book is about the particularities of raising a son with Down syndrome, it is more broadly about being a mother and the valuable lessons we encounter when raising a child."

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Reviews

"""A powerful memoir with themes that transcend raising a child with a disability. Suzanne tells a story with a vulnerability that every parent can relate to. For those of us in this community, she gives voice to our innermost fears, challenges and triumphs. Her story is an example of how this journey often involves as much growth for us as it does for our kids.""-Alison Swain, Head Coach Women's Tennis, USC and mom to two girls with Down syndrome. ""This book is a raw and engaging memoir. Despite the initial sadness, the reader is drawn into the beauty of the author's world, and the fragility of us as humans. She is guided by her persistence that her son deserves all the magic in life and she conveys that brilliantly."" -Anne L., Michigan ""As a parent, I felt the emotion on so many levels reading this story. Relatable, raw, honest. This book is so important for educators and parents to read. Suzanne does an amazing job of describing the insecurities and inadequacies that make us human. Her writing is impeccable, clear, engaging and so real!"" -K. Tenney, California ""This book was so relatable to me from the beginning to the end. It was fascinating reading about the trail she blazed for inclusion, not just for her son, but for all of us! It is a beautifully written book that takes us along on her journey of raising an amazing son.""-Anne L., Texas ""I found the book so deeply thoughtful, honest and personal. The vulnerable way the author articulated her story would resonate with anyone going through something unexpected. An emotional juggling of heartache, joy and surprise leading up to a story of unconditional love. Just wonderful!""-Angela M., California ""Raising Owen is an uplifting story of one mother's journey. It draws you in to the daily joys and struggles of raising a child with Down Syndrome, but is meaningful to any parent raising a child with differences. In her journey, Suzanne lifts herself, her family, and her community along the way.""-Laura W., Michigan"

Author Information

SUZANNE LEZOTTE grew up in Redford, Michigan, with eight brothers and sisters. She is an avid reader, and her love of words led to a degree in English from Western Michigan University. After graduation she moved to Los Angeles where she spent the last twenty years working in the entertainment tech space as an executive and journalist. The COVID lockdown gave her the opportunity to finally write her memoir on the topic she is most passionate about-full inclusion for children and people with special needs. An essay derived from a chapter in her book garnered an Honorable Mention in the 2022 Writer's Digest contest. She lives in Westlake Village with her husband and three children.

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