Sunday, October 23, 2005

Adopting Darrell



Who adopts special-needs or severely disabled children?

Single mom and author, Carol Weishampel, has reared 12 children and numerous foster children. Nine of her children she received through special-needs adoptions. She also has custody of her teen-age grandson. In her book, Adopting Darrell, Weishampel encourages special-needs adoptions, while exploring the devistation caused by shaken baby syndrome. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves children.

Carol Weishampel joyfully opens her heart and home to angelic-looking Darrell--a "shaken," abused baby whose horrific injuries leave him blind and retarded.
But adopting Darrell quickly becomes an hourly, uphill struggle, even for this seasoned mom and professional educator. This single parent and her other, subsequent adopted children literally are held hostage by Darrell's violent temper tantrums and untrainable behavior.

What difference can Weishampel possibly make in the life of this uncommunicative boy? What purpose do those such as Darrell have on earth? Weishampel's poignant search to answer these and other profound questions leaves a helpful legacy of hope for anyone who has ever loved a special-needs or severely disabled child.

1 comment:

Laurie Kolp said...

This is a must-read! You are an inspiration, Carol.