Letters to Sam: A Grandfather's Lessons on Love, Loss, and the Gifts of Life

by Daniel Gottlieb

Overview

When his grandson was born, Daniel Gottlieb began to write a series of heartfelt letters that he hoped Sam would read later in life. He planned to cover all the important topics—dealing with your parents, handling bullies, falling in love, coping with death—and what motivated him was the fear that he might not live long enough to see Sam reach adulthood. You see, Daniel Gottlieb is a quadriplegic—the result of a near-fatal automobile accident that occurred two decades ago—and he knows enough not to take anything for granted.
Then, when Sam was only 14 months old, he was diagnosed with Pervasive Develop-mental Disability, a form of autism, and suddenly everything changed. Now the grandfather and grandson were bound by something more: a disability—and Daniel Gottlieb’s special understanding of what that means became invaluable.
This lovingly written, emotionally gripping book offers unique—and universal—insights into what it means to be human.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781402753459
Publisher:	Sterling
Publication date:	03/04/2008
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

In addition to his thriving psychotherapy practice, Daniel Gottlieb serves as the host of Voices in the Family, an award-winning mental health call-in show on Philadelphia’s much-respected public radio station, WHYY. He also writes a bimonthly column for the Philadelphia Inquirer entitled “On Healing,” and is the author of two books. He lectures locally and nationally on a variety of topics affecting the well-being of people, families, and the larger community.

Editorial Reviews

"Dear Sam," the first letter began, "As your only living grandfather, I wanted to welcome you into this world. Always remember that...life is a gift and a blessing." Daniel Gottlieb started his one-way correspondence with his infant grandson partly because as a quadriplegic with health problems, he feared that he might not survive to see Sam reach adulthood. But only 14 months after his first note, grandfather Dan received terrible news: Little Sam had been diagnosed with pervasive developmental disability, a form of autism. At that moment, the letters took on a new meaning and urgency.