Kylie has CP. She is non-verbal and is totally reliant on her mother and brothers for her basic needs. Reagan Davis, author of “People like me”, loves his sister very much. Because of this natural affection between himself and Kylie Reagan decides to give his sister the gift of a voice, as he often wondered what was on her mind.

Through Reagan’s astute observations the reader gets a real insight on the life of Kylie but perhaps, more importantly the insights extend to family interaction.

Wendy Davis knew there was something wrong with her daughter six weeks after her birth, so she visited her home town hospital in Taranaki for support.

“You have the option of putting Kylie in an institution. You can forget about her and raise a normal family”, was the all too familiar response from the doctor.

Wendy decided that this was not the option for her and so she took Kylie home to her family which included brothers Cameron and Reagan.

The acceptance of a severely disabled daughter/sister at times tested family patience. Kylie used to scream a lot out of panic, frustration and boredom but these frustrations were always soothed by a mother’s touch. The boredom was also soon forgotten when her brothers read to her or competed with her in crawling races across the living room floor.

The family soon found out going for walks was and undoubtedly still is, one of Kylie’s favourite past-times.

“My senses come alive when I am being pushed along Wilson Road,” reflects Kylie.

However there is a downside to this simple family pleasure. Brother Regan reacts badly to the rudeness of public stares and he doesn’t hold back lambasting the intolerance of people.

“How would you like us to pose for you, dickhead?” growled Reagan.

As the family tale unfolds it is easy to believe Kylies new found voice when she says. “My story is not all heartache. Please don’t think that for a minute.”

The thirty-two paged “People like me” comforts those who have embraced their disabled child as part of the family, as it emphasises the positive without trying to hide the hardships.

Further information
“People like me” is available by post for only $10 plus $2 post and packing
With each copy sold $5 goes directly to the Cerebral Palsy Society.
Orders of 5 or more copies earn a discount
Post address is “People Like Me” PO Box 2002 Wellington
Cheques payable to Bateson Publishing Ltd
For further enquires call 04-385-9705

My contact details
Ross Flood
55 Hillside Road
Papatoetoe
Auckland
Phone/Fax (including answer phone) (09) 2787106
Email rflood@cpsociety.org.nz

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