When the Past Meets the Present Book

Inspiring and surprisingly funny, heartbreaking and painfully comforting... this book is a collection of essays by parents about raising kids with special needs.

My husband and I picked it up at the bookstore during one of our many quests for answers. Then the book sat in a pile waiting to be read for months. My husband finally picked it up and finished reading it in about three days. He let out a huge sigh, of relief, "Wow, we're not alone." It took me weeks to get through it, and perhaps an entire box of Kleenex. I let out many heavy sighs, of despair, "Wow, we're not alone." While my husband took comfort in knowing other parents share similar struggles, I found that fact to be somewhat depressing. Many times I set the book aside, vowing not to read one page more. A few days later, I would pick it up again, read just one more essay. I'm glad I finally finished the book; it comes full circle through a wide range of emotions, and it ends with acceptance and hope.

The book covers topics such as medication, schools, going public, the constant ups and downs, taking time for yourself. Anyone who is raising a special needs child should take a look. Many of the stories will make you cry - some tears of sorrow, some tears of joy. A few stories will make you angry. Nearly all will make you either nod your head in agreement as you read ("yes, that's so true") or shake your head in disgust ("ugh, that's so true"). If you know someone raising a child with special needs, this book provides insight and perspective that's hard to come by without walking in their shoes.