Sactity of Human Life

My adopted son, Darrell, was shaken as an infant leaving him profoundly retarded and blind. He is totally dependant on loving and caring persons. Inspite of his difficulties, Darrell has had a profoundly positive impact on our family.

Why, I prayed, did a loving God allow child abuse to devistate the life of a normal baby? What value does his life have?

I feel that God's purpose for Darrell's life is that his story be told for the education of others. A recent study has shown that more than 1,300 infants are brain injured each year by being shaken. Shaking is most often the results of a parent's frustration over excessive crying. By teaching parents skills to deal with the crying, shaking may be prevented.

I recently learned of the term PURPLE crying. Unpredictable crying used to be called COLIC but that term indicated illness. PURPLE crying is a stage of infant development.

P peak of crying begins at two months and continue to three-four months

U unexpected crying for no explainable reason

R infant resists soothing

P pain shows in the face even if there is no pain

L long lasting, crying may continue for several hours

E evening crying, late afternoon

I wrote Darrell's story from medical and children's protective service records. He was shaken as the result of his incessant crying.

I am making a copy of Adopting Darrell free of charge to any one or organization who will use it to educate. Send an email or reply as a comment.

For additonal information see

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome

Purple Program