Former Bradford-area resident Homa Sarajedini wants to teach and
give hope regarding disability through her soon-to-be-released
book.

“I believe the story is very educational,” she said.

While she resided in Bradford, Sarajedini gave birth to a
handicapped daughter, Atefeh. The little girl was born with severe
mental retardation and weak muscles throughout her body.

Atefeh Sarajedini endured multiple corrective surgeries and was
taken care of at home by her parents her entire life. It was during
this time that Homa Sarajedini decided to share her experiences in
the form of a children’s book, for which she did all the
illustrations in color.

After years of diligent work, “Now I Know” has been printed and
is ready to be distributed.

“I thought I should do something while I take care of her,” Homa
Sarajedini said.

“I wrote this story while I was in Bradford. I gradually worked
on the illustrations.”

The story, about a tree that must learn to cope with physical
changes throughout its life, is geared toward younger readers.

“Children will like it. It’s easy reading,” Sarajedini said.

She found the urge to relate her family’s story because she felt
others could learn from it.

“(The book) gives a lesson to all of us,” she said.

“I want all of the children to know that not all of the children
in the world are lucky to be as healthy as they are. They should be
alert of that.”

Homa Sarajedini noted that modern schools are integrated,
meaning the handicapped children are sometimes in contact with the
rest of the students. For this reason, she believes, youngsters
should be knowledgeable about the issue of mental retardation.

“Not everything in the world is perfect,” she said.

Even though “Now I Know” is a children’s book, Saradejini hopes
that parents raising handicapped children can find it a worthy
read.

“They should know they are not alone in this world, there is
always hope,” she said.

This very theme will be the main thread of her next book, which
Homa Sarajedini confirmed she is currently working on.

“It is also geared toward the fact that nobody is perfect,” she
said. “You have to make the best of life, whatever it is.”

As of now, there are 3,000 copies of “Now I Know” in print,
according to Homa Sarajedini. But she believes “as many as they
want” will be made available. The work is written in two languages,
English and Farsi.

Those looking for a copy can visit the author’s Web site,
www.sarajedini.com. The site also contains a telephone number and
e-mail address for people interested in ordering the book.

Sarajedini and her family lived in the area for 27 years before
retiring and moving in 2002. They now reside in Farlbrook, Calif.,
about 40 miles north of San Diego.