Don't Be Sorry by Sarah Roberts
Synopsis
Sarah's first book, For the Love of Oscar, tells the story of her first child Oscar's birth, his postnatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome and his adventures up to the age of four. Don't Be Sorry continues Oscar's story, from age four to nine. It covers Oscar's life in a local mainstream infant school, with all its challenges and triumphs, including friendships and how the other children respond to Oscar.
Sarah describes her struggles navigating medical appointments and hospital admissions, all the while maintaining her mission gently to educate others. There are many preconceived ideas and misconceptions about what it means to have a child like Oscar in one's life. Sarah's story is one for any parent; it is not just about the highs and lows of having a child with additional needs, but also simply as a mum of three. She talks candidly about coming to terms with the decision to move Oscar to a SEN (Special Educational Needs) school, another big milestone in Oscar's young life.
Whilst Sarah may have found herself on a different path to the one she'd imagined for herself, it has not been a bad one. There is sadness, certainly; and there have been struggles along the way; but there has been so much laughter and happiness, too.
Reviews
'A moving and candid story’ Wokingham News & Mail
‘Sarah’s blog has been a lifeline for families and her book is going to be no different. Incredible. I couldn’t put it down’ The Coastal Mummy blog
‘A searingly honest account of her journey, from heartbreak to joy’ Daily Mail
About the Author
Sarah Roberts lives in Surrey with her husband Chris and their three children, Oscar, Alfie and Flo. After graduating from Laine Theatre Arts, Sarah spent her twenties dancing professionally and later went on to teach dance and drama. It wasn't until her first son Oscar came along, that she started writing and originally did so, as she found it an outlet, in helping her deal with Oscar's unexpected diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Sarah now writes an multi award winning blog called 'Don't Be Sorry', which she's told helps others in a similar position to herself but also is her take on parenting, which many will find relatable. She has since become a social media influencer and spends a great deal of her time advocating for Down Syndrome, regularly talking to health care professionals about the importance of education on the subject.