(Reviewed by Heidi A. Swan)
Unwanted is the autobiography of a woman with a high school education who harnessed her convictions and life skills to improve the world for the betterment for her son, who has Down’s Syndrome, and for that of other “unwanted” people.
Ms. Smith’s early life set the stage for her deep empathy for others. Her father was an abusive alcoholic who committed unspeakable harms to his family. Eventually, Ms. Smith found her voice when she stood up to him, and others, who treated her inhumanely.
Ms. Smith had one advantage growing up: her mother owned a dance studio. This gave her years of training, so she had the skill and confidence to execute a knock-out dance audition for a TV show. Eventually, her dancing put her in the same show with a Las Vegas singer-songwriter, Glenn Smith, whom she soon married.
They gave birth to a son, Christopher, who had, among other disabilities, Down’s Syndrome. At first, she was in shock; but Ms. Smith quickly fell in love with their child.
One Christmas, the young family was detained at the border while trying to enter the U.S. from Canada. Because Christopher is “retarded”, he was on a list, second only to “criminals”, who were not permitted entry. Over the years, Ms. Smith did everything to right this wrong but was blocked at every turn.
It’s surprising to read how people with special needs were treated in our country before people like Ms. Smith refused to accept it. And to realize it was not that long ago. Ms. Smith recognized a desperate need for change and set about to make it happen.
To bring enrichment into the life of her son, and others like him, Ms. Smith understood it took money. She tapped her colorful network of Las Vegas entertainers, politicians and businessmen (both legitimate and illegitimate) and put on a fundraiser show which became an annual event. This is where Ms. Smith’s voice became a roar. She was unafraid to ask.
“He would be a hero for supporting an internationally-recognized charity and the biggest fundraising event Las Vegas had ever seen. I had it all figured out.
After listening to my plan, the entertainment director thought for a moment. Then he looked at me and said, “Certainly not.” And he threw me out of his office.”
Undeterred, Ms. Smith went on to raise over half a billion dollars in thirty-five years for charitable causes around the world.
This book was written with great care. However, I feel like the story would have worked better if she began at the border. This approach would have set up one clear goal for the reader to follow from beginning to end where the citizenship question arrives at its completion. Her own earlier experiences could have been interwoven at the appropriate places. Nonetheless, it’s a fascinating glimpse into an era when people with special needs were not given their due.
Unwanted: How a Mother Learned to Turn Shame, Grief, and Fear into Purpose, Passion, and Empowerment is also an inspiring profile of how one person can make a profound difference in the lives of others.
