Our Story Ron and Joan Denlinger have a dream for their new life together, a dream of serving and caring for people in pastoral ministry in small-town New England.  As they work toward that goal they are hit with the devastating prognosis for their infant daughter.  Rather than enjoying all the aspects of being a first time mother, Joan anguishes over the news that there is no hope for a normal life for their little girl. In spite of the obstacles of medical needs and emotional struggles over their loss, this young couple pursues their vision for service and moves to Connecticut and into ministry.  While there, a second child is born to them, a son, this one even more severely disabled than their first.  Unable to bear the burden alone, they return to the place of their roots, near extended family.  Though home again, they have also landed in a foreign land, the unfamiliar and undesired world of attending to the care of special needs children.  What will happen to their dreams?  How can their marriage possibly succeed? In this gripping true story, Joan shares her life with tenderness and transparency.  Get a glimpse of her daily routine of caring for her childrens overwhelming needs.  Join the victory dances over small developmental milestones.  Feel with her the painful tests to her marriage.  See the heart of a mother that is ripped apart, as she must say good-bye to their second child who succumbs to death.  Hold your breath with her as she awaits news on the health of her third baby.  In the end, watch as her familys dream of service to others is fulfilled in ways beyond what she would have expected. You will cry with her, struggle with her, and laugh with her.  Most importantly, you will be inspired and encouraged as you watch this family survive.  You will realize that, in spite of appearance, this is a very normal family that succeeds.  As they share the secrets they have learned through their experiences, you will be strengthened to move through your own set of life challenges. Click here to read an excerpt from the book.

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