For Such a Time as This is a realistic look at life with a Down syndrome child over a journey of four decades. Any parent, parent-to-be, educator, medical personnel, church affiliate, and individual in general can learn how to help parents of children with any disability, both physically and intellectually disabled. 

There is no way that I could relate every sad, happy or funny incident that has occurred with Karen in her eighteen years with us. Perhaps it is best to just recall a few of them. Intermingled throughout the first few years of her training that I have not elaborated on was that several events took place as part of a daily routine, such as the fact that Karen didn't complete potty traing until age four. She only learned to dress herself completely by age twelve. The pantyhose, bra fastening, buttons and shoe tying all came very slowly, but that too, was successful. I can remember many times on Sunday mornings at about 9:45 a.m. thinking everyone was ready to walk out the door for church services only to find Karen with her slip on backwards, her blouse inside out, or her shoe on the wrong feet. All of these things have taken years to correct and lots of improvising, be we came through it all.

Freda and her husband, Don, have been lifelong residents of DeKalb County, Alabama. They were married in December, 1963 when she was seventeen and Don was twenty years of age.

She has either volunteered or worked with developmentally disabled children and adults for thirty five years. Her own personal experience led her to help other parents and educators search for and develop programs for all developmentally disabled individuals.

The children of Don and Freda are Karen, age forty four, a son Steven and his wife, Dawn W. Lucy. They are blessed with two grandchildren, Samuel and Sarah Grace Lucy.