The birth of your first child is a moment in time that you, as a parent, vividly remember. In that child, you see reflections of yourself and aspirations for your future. When you realize your child has a disability, your dreams are shattered, your future is altered.

As a young mother, Connie confronted her sadness and overwhelming fear without the benefits of experience and maturity that come with parenting. Instead she armed herself with love and determination to face a challenge that was enormous and awe-inspiring.

This is a compelling book that bares a parent's most painful thoughts and candidly conveys soul-wrenching decisions. We hope that Connie's honesty will help other parents who are leaning to live with a disability or suffer any kind of painful situation.

From birth to adulthood, we never know what life may bring. But we at United Cerebral Palsy know that with compassion and a willingness to give joy and purpose to each individual life, children and adults like Chris can return this joy and a sense of fulfillment to all of us. We can learn from them and are privileged to be included in their circle of family and the universe of caring. May that universe be ever expanding.