Pat Montesano's mission for over fifty years has been to raise awareness and promote acceptance of her son, Chris, and all who live with developmental disabilities. Following Chris’s death and during her grieving she wrote A NEW SONG as part of her effort to contribute to the creation of a welcoming world for the disabled friends Chris left behind.
"In the early years of Chris’s life, we were told that society was changing towards those who are diagnosed with mental retardation, developmental disadvantages, and special needs. We were encouraged to educate Chris, train him to be socially acceptable, and believe that he would become a contributing member of society. We spent large amounts of money, made great sacrifices, and gave 100% of ourselves, so our son would become a useful citizen on this planet. We were excited about his accomplishments and eagerness to be accepted and recognized as a valuable participant in the community of the world.
As Chris’s family, we believed that he would be welcomed as a neighbor, fellow parishioner, desired guest, passenger, employee, and as a friend. There have been many kind and generous people throughout Chris’s life. Many individuals fully accepted and befriended him. However, we did not find a world that always welcomed him. We experienced discrimination. Equal opportunities and justice weren’t often offered to him. We experienced with him exploitation, deceit, and deep pain, as well as hypocrisy. Unfortunately, we live in a society that promotes eradication of unborn babies who might be born with similar handicaps.
During the last years of Chris’s life, however, he was happier and more independent than ever. Hopefully, our story will help to generate increased acceptance of these special individuals and to discover the incredible value of their lives. We found Chris to be the one who accepted and loved others, who lived in a spirit of forgiveness and gratitude. He loved unconditionally."
Reader's comments...
I thoroughly enjoyed "A New Song", an excellent book telling a story of love and devotion unmatched in my experience. Please accept my thanks for being willing to share your life with all who will be blessed while reading this publication. Your writing style and flow of words come from a mother's heart; and we the readers are the beneficiaries.
Monsignor Joseph A. Dunne, Retired, Chaplain NYPD
Thank you very much for your book "A New Song" ! I had planned to peruse it; however when I started glancing at the beginning, especially the poem, I became intensely interested and read the entire book Sunday afternoon! My daughter is in college getting a degree in Special Education and will be working with handicapped children in the future. The book should be inspirational to her. God Bless You.
Lt. Gen. Winfield W. Scott, Jr., Former Superintendent, USAFA
Over the weekend I read your book "A New Song". You certainly have a beautiful flair for writing and I was compelled at the end of each chapter to go on. Tears, joys, frustrations and rewards were certainly evident. After reading it I became much more sensitive to the feelings of parents with a retarded child, particularly those who have just received the news that their little one is handicapped. Thank you so much for sharing your feelings...you have helped me more than you'll ever know.
John W. Shyne Jr., Superintendent, Cardinal Cushing School and Training Center, Hanover, MA
Thank you for sending me a copy of your book "A New Song", the story of a mentally retarded boy seeking acceptance, which I am adding to my library. I enjoyed reading about all your children, but especially about Chris. You have my admiration for all you are doing to enhance the understanding and acceptance of children like Chris. I liked the website! With best wishes...
Laura Bush, Former First Lady, The White House
Thank you sincerely for the contribution you have made to our lives by sharing your story through "A New Song".
Jeanne Dixon, grade school teacher, Colorado Springs, CO
I finished reading "A New Song" and want to tell you I found it not only very well written, but I also found it very inspiring. My wife read it also and she feels the same way!
Steve Milligan, Communications Instructor, Pikes Peak Community College Colorado Springs, CO
After reading "A New Song" I must tell you that I bought the book on Thursday and finished reading it on Saturday. Now that is something as I'm no reader! I never read books only short magazine articles. Usually I fall asleep while reading and it takes me much to long to finish a book. But I didn't want to put "Sing A New Song" down. I was too interested in how each problem was handled or solved. I feel I want to share the book with people right away. Words do not properly express the feelings I have after reading "Sing A New Song" !
Dorothy Hughes, home maker and mother of seven, Elmira, NY
I want to thank you sincerely for "A New Song" ! I do appreciate it very much and think you have done a first class job in writing it. The book shows that you have gained a new experience in your life as the mother of Chris... a deeper and more profound life and you will be blessed by God because you are a truly loving and faithful mother!
Fr. Eddie Connally
I received your book in today's mail and have read it from cover to cover; reading some chapters over again. Not only did I find you to be a terrific writer - it is apparent that you are a dedicated mother, which, in my opinion speaks for itself. I look forward to the next book as I am sure all of your readers are also. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Sally Crowe, author and founder of SunSweeper.org
I ran across your website and absolutely love all the great poetry here. I am a writer myself and have been writing poetry on Love, homeless, life issues and I am a contemporary Christian singer and write lyrics to music. I live here in St. Joseph, MI and when I go to Chicago its so sad to see how some people live. I support the homeless when I can & my heart truly goes out to them. May God be with us and bless us all.
Lenette Evans, St. Joseph, MI.
BUY!
