It's easy for a family to become overwhelmed by the emotional, physical, and spiritual strain of tending to the challenges that accompany having a child with special needs. However, these very obstacles can help parents discover the riches that a special-needs child brings into their family and community. The unique challenges bring the opportunity for a very special family spirituality.
As the mother of a child with special needs, the author offers prayers and reflections for each of the stages of grief that parents often face with the diagnosis of a special-needs child. The author defines the six stages of grief as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, guilt, and acceptance. These prayers and reflections bring new light, insight, and grace to parents struggling to live with often challenging realities.