Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Federal funding helps keep Montana Public Radio strong and accessible to everyone in Montana. Visit Protect My Public Media to learn how you can add your voice in support of the future of public media.

A Meditation on Family, Caregiving, and Secrets

Words Out West

This episode contains descriptions of parents giving up their Down Syndrome baby to an institution in the early 1950s, which may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

(excerpt from Chapter 14 of novel)

In this excerpt from Caroline Patterson’s novel The Stone Sister, the year is 1953 and a young couple is struggling with their decision to institutionalize their baby Lizzie, who has Down Syndrome.

Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information