Coming to terms with one child with cerebral palsy, let alone two, is an achievement in itself. Being able to share the pain, the frustrations, the joy and the love in such a highly readable way is remarkable. Sarah Bowen's book vividly describes the all-too-short lives of Claire and her brother Jimmy. She shares with humour and honesty the trials and tribulations of having two children with severe physical and mental handicaps. Her book gives a very good insight into the realities of life with two handicapped children, with all the practical problems and stereotyped attitudes from some people, including health professionals.

As a nurse myself, it was salutary to read the approach of some of the professionals whom Sarah and her husband Dick encountered. When one or other of their children became ill, there were doctors and nurses who clearly thought that 'they knew best' and did not listen to the devoted parents who cared for the children day in and day out. On the other hand, the understanding and the sensitivity of several GPs and the calm continuing presence of their consultant paediatrician shine through as great contrasts to other colleagues' insensitivity.

The book is also about a journey in Christian faith from the desperate prayers in the first few days of Claire's life when she started to have convulsions, through the lifting to God of the heavy burden of caring, to a quiet acceptance of death when it came first to Jimmy and then to Claire. 'Claire and James brought the love of God into our lives - that is the greatest gift that one person can give another.'

Sarah and Dick received another gift from God - Alice, a normal daughter born the year after Claire died. Read this book. It will make you smile and bring tears to your eyes, but you will see God in what many people would regard as a double tragedy.

Reviewed by
Sarah Whitfield
(Chief Executive, Dorothy House Foundation, Winsley, Wiltshire)