Accepting Joy

Andrew and Rachel should be on top of the world. They have just purchased their first home, and their first child is due in just a few short months. Life is good. Yet for some reason, Rachel feels uneasy, as though a cloud of foreboding has settled over their lives. Her fears are justified when preliminary tests suggest her worst fears: their baby could have Down syndrome.Unable to cope with the possibility, Andrew convinces himself that their baby is fine and turns his attentions to their reclusive neighbor and the rumors surrounding his past. Rachel, frightened for her baby and scared of what may lie in their future, becomes increasingly frustrated with Andrew and his lack of concern for their child.As the evidence for his baby's disability mounts, Andrew throws himself into solving the mystery surrounding the death of his neighbor's family. Did Hank kill his wife? What happened to Hank's child? Rachel, though hurt by Andrew's attitude, tries to be understanding and show interest in the case while at the same time preparing herself for their baby and for the worst.In the end, it will take a miracle to heal Andrew's family - and Hank's guilt over the past - though ultimately it is up to both to accept joy into their lives.Reviews -Accepting Joy by author Todd F. Cope is the story of Andrew and Rachel, a young couple who are moving into their new home and also expecting their first child. the house they bought is in a quiet area, and their nearest neighbor is a little ways down the road. the house was built some years before and does need some modernizing, but Rachel is sure she can make it wonderful.Andrew heads down the road to meet his new neighbor, Hank, only to be treated brusquely. He comes to find out that Hank is rumored to be a murderer, and this causes him a lot of concern, with his wife and soon-to-be child's safety at stake. He stops in at the library, hoping to dig up some more information, and Edith, the librarian, points him to some stacks of newspapers. After a lot of digging, he finds the information he's looking for - sure enough, Hank was accused of murder. What really happened all those years ago?Meanwhile, Rachel is beginning to suspect that something is wrong with her baby. the doctor's office called and wants to go over some blood work, and she's filled with dread. What will they discover?When all the results are in and they find that the new baby will have Downs' Syndrome, Andrew pulls away emotionally, burying himself in the mystery of Hank and leaving Rachel to deal with the news by herself. In the end, it's Hank who helps Andrew to realize what he's doing and how he needs to change in order to pull the family back together.This was a good story. the author is a nurse and spoke of the various medical procedures in a knowledgeable, yet not heavy-handed, way. However, I would have liked to see more from Andrew's perspective about his feelings toward the baby, and I did feel that the ending was contrived. I also found much of the dialogue to be repetitive. That said, it was an enjoyable read overall.- Tristi Pinkston, media.families.comA gentle, sweet story that dives into the tender fears and joys of expectant parents. Todd Cope's story looks at how the special needs of innocent infants and tainted adults tests our ability to love unconditionally.- Rebecca Cressman, TV and Radio HostThis story combines a powerful message with astonishing virtue and easy reading. You are sure to become immersed in the struggles of this family as they face the prospect of having a Down syndrome baby. I strongly recommend this latest effort by Todd Cope.- Milt Waycasey, Former Radio Sportscaster, AuthorCope, Todd F. is the author of 'Accepting Joy ', published 2006 under ISBN 9781555179625 and ISBN 1555179622.